The Christmas tree that will stand outside the door to No10 Downing Street will be chosen during a competition at a Gower farm today. The British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) has brought its annual competition to Wales, with its 320 members choosing the best tree in Britain.
More than 100 20ft trees have been brought to Gower Fresh Christmas Trees for the prestigious competition, with the winner being announced by television presenter Jules Hudson.
Rob Morgan, who runs Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, has described it as the "Oscars" for tree growers. "It is a hard fought competition," he said. "There are more than 200 growers with us in Wales to compete to be the best grower. The judges are looking for the perfect tree, the right colour, the right height and there are more than 100 entries."
There is also a competition for the best wreath, with the winner being displayed on the door of No10. Rob believes there will be no issues with Christmas tree supply this year, because more trees are being grown in the UK.
He said: "There are more trees being grown in the UK, so that should mean there are few issues with supply, and it should mean that the price is not going to go up. They are also better trees, because they will last longer, and you will have fewer issues with the dreaded needle drop."
Jules, who will pick his favourite tree for a Celebrity Choice award and will distribute prizes to the winners. says: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be asked to take part in this year’s awards ceremony. Selecting the best-looking tree for Christmas is often the most hotly debated issue in many households come the festive season, so having the chance to learn from the experts, whilst having fun with such a talented line up of the country’s best growers is a real honour. I’m really looking forward to it, not least because this year it’s in Wales, my spiritual home!”
Last year’s winner was Marldon Christmas Tree Farm in Devon who provided the Christmas tree for Downing Street after being crowned Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year. The winner of Champion Festive Wreath was Friezeland Christmas Tree Farm, Warwickshire, who provided the wreath for No10.
Heather Parry, managing agent for BCTGA, said: “We are thrilled to have Jules onboard as our celebrity special guest at our annual competition celebrating the best Christmas tree growers and retailers in the business.
"To win an award here is a real coup for our members who work so hard, all year, growing the best trees in the UK allowing consumers to celebrate Christmas in the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Members will choose the Grower of the Year who gets the accolade of providing the tree for Downing Street and the wreath for the iconic No10.”
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