TV presenter Jules Hudson is hosting an annual competition to find the best Christmas tree in Britain.
The British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) organises the annual competition for its 320 members, which will be hosted by Jules.
The winner, who is chosen by the members, has the accolade of providing the Christmas tree for Downing Street and there will also be a winner who provides the wreath for No 10.
The competition, sponsored by supplier of controlled release fertilisers and media manufacturers ICL, was held on Thursday October 10 at Temple Court Farm, Bosbury, Ledbury, Herefordshire.
Ben Blandford & his family at Temple Court Farm have been growing Christmas trees for growing group Infinity Christmas Trees since 2017.
They currently have 147000 trees planted, both pot and cut grown and in many varieties including Nordmann Fir, Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce.
They also sell freshly cut trees up to 10ft and pot grown trees up to 5ft directly from the farm on Friday, Saturday & Sundays in the lead up to Christmas. For opening times follow on Facebook Temple Court Christmas Trees or Instagram @templecourtchristmastrees
Jules Hudson is a much-loved archaeologist and TV star, presenting Channel 5's On the Farm, Today at the Great Yorkshire Show and BBC’s Escape To The Country. As well as hosting the event, Jules will pick his favourite tree for a Celebrity Choice award and will distribute prizes to the winners.
Jules said: “I am delighted to be hosting this year’s competition which brings together Christmas tree growers from across the UK. 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.”
The BCTGA, which was formed in 1980, is managed by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS).
Last year’s winner was Dartmoor Christmas Tree Farm in Devon who provided the Christmas tree for Downing Street after being crowned Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year 2023.
The winner of Champion Festive Wreath of the Year 2023 was Friezeland Christmas Tree Farm, Warwickshire, and they provided the wreath for the door of the Prime Minister’s residence.
Award categories
• Best Pine – sponsored by Tree Tech UK
• Best Norway Spruce
• Best Spruce - Other
• Best Nordmann Fir - sponsored by Temple Court Christmas Trees
• Best Fir – Other – sponsored by Agrii
• Best Container Grown - sponsored by Infinity Christmas Trees
• Best Wreath - Natural
• Best Wreath – Decorated
• Celebrity Choice
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