Image: Chris and Jenny Letts of Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees have 45,000 trees growing on their farm near Newport Pagnell

A Milton Keynes Christmas tree farm could see one of its own trees take pride of place outside 10 Downing Street this festive season, as it prepares to host the UK’s National Christmas Tree Competition.

Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees, near Newport Pagnell, has been chosen as the 2025 venue for the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) annual awards — the prestigious event that crowns the country’s best Christmas trees and wreaths.

The winners, selected by more than 300 growers from across the UK, will earn the honour of supplying the official Downing Street Christmas tree and festive wreath.

National spotlight for Milton Keynes farm

Headline sponsored by Agrii, the competition takes place on Thursday 9 October and will bring together growers, suppliers and industry leaders from across Britain. The event rotates between host farms each year, and its arrival in Milton Keynes places Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees firmly on the national stage.

Joe Seels, Chair of Future Farmers of Yorkshire
Joe Seels Chair of Future Farmers of Yorkshire will host this years British Christmas Tree Growers Association Awards at Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees near Newport Pagnell

The competition will be hosted by Joe Seels, a South Yorkshire beef and arable farmer turned YouTuber whose videos attract more than a million views each month. As well as fronting the ceremony, Joe will select his own favourite entry for a special Celebrity Choice award. “I’m really excited to be involved with the British Christmas Tree Growers Association this year,” said Joe. “When we were kids, we used to sell Christmas trees from the farm, so being surrounded by Nordmann Firs and Norway Spruces takes me right back. Nothing beats a real British tree — the smell, the sustainability, and knowing you’re supporting local business and wildlife.”

Celebrating craftsmanship and sustainability

The BCTGA, formed in 1980 and managed by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, champions British-grown Christmas trees and promotes sustainable forestry across the country.

BCTGA chair Russell Parkins said: “We’re delighted to welcome Joe as the presenter of the BCTGA Awards 2025. His enthusiasm for farming and his ability to connect with such a wide audience will bring real authenticity to the celebration of our sector.

“These awards are a vital part of the British Christmas tree growing calendar, shining a spotlight on the people and businesses who work tirelessly all year to grow the festive centrepieces we all enjoy. Our champions go on to provide the Christmas tree and wreath for Downing Street, which is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our industry.”

Last year’s winners were Evergreen Christmas Trees from Wales, which supplied the 2024 Downing Street tree, and Santa Trees from Cornwall, whose wreath decorated the Prime Minister’s front door.

Award categories include:

  • Best Pine

  • Best Norway Spruce

  • Best Spruce – Other

  • Best Nordmann Fir

  • Best Fir – Other

  • Best Container Grown (sponsored by ICL)

  • Best Natural Wreath

  • Best Decorated Wreath (sponsored by The Fruity Farmer)

  • Celebrity Choice

  • Photo of the Year (sponsored by Citation)

  • Innovation Award (sponsored by The Professional Sprayers People)

The event is expected to draw significant attention from the public and media alike, shining a festive spotlight on Milton Keynes’ rural community and the vital role local growers play in sustaining the nation’s Christmas traditions.