York Christmas Trees, based in Wigginton, has won the top honor at the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) annual awards. The business took home the title of Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year for 2026, alongside a win in the Best Nordmann Fir category.
The victory was announced on Wednesday, October 14, at an event hosted in Barcombe, East Suss*x. This win gives the Yorkshire business the privilege of supplying an 18-foot (5.4m) festive tree to stand outside the prime minister’s official residence at 10 Downing Street this December.
Olly Combe represented York Christmas Trees alongside family members Kirstie and Joe Combe. He expressed his shock and gratitude after winning the peer-voted award. "I knew it was a good tree and when it was in there, I thought it might have a chance," Combe said. "It’s a fantastic honour. These are my peers and friends who have voted. Your tree goes outside No 10 and you get a guided tour, which is a wonderful opportunity."
National Recognition and Downing Street Traditions
The BCTGA competition has run annually since 1999 and featured more than 100 entries from growers across the nation. BCTGA chair Russell Parkins highlighted the dedication needed to produce award-winning foliage. He noted that the winning tree represents a full decade of intensive agricultural work.
"It’s very competitive, but there’s very good sportsmanship," Parkins said. "We all know how difficult it is to grow a tree like this. That tree we’re looking at today is 10 years of work to get it where it is today."
Welford Christmas Tree Farm from Northamptonshire secured the runner-up position in both the overall grower and Nordmann Fir categories. As runner-up, Welford Christmas Tree Farm will supply the trees designated for display inside 10 Downing Street during the holiday season. Olly Combe’s winning entry will also provide a tree for No. 10 North.
Cornish Wreath Triumph
The national competition also recognized the finest handmade festive wreaths. Santa Trees, based in Liskeard, Cornwall, claimed the champion wreath award. The business is managed by Helen Edge and her parents, Margaret and Ivor Dungey. The family has over 70 years of combined tree-growing experience.
"I was shocked, amazed and absolutely over the moon," Edge said, emphasizing the labor-intensive nature of their craft. "It’s so nice to go up there and place the wreath on the door. It’s lots of hard work and stress, we make them all by hand."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 National Christmas Tree Grower Championship?
York Christmas Trees, based in Wigginton, Yorkshire, won the overall 2026 Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year title and the Best Nordmann Fir category.
Where was the 2026 BCTGA competition held?
The British Christmas Tree Growers Association annual competition took place in Barcombe, East Suss*x, on October 14.
Who supplies the Christmas tree for outside 10 Downing Street?
Olly Combe of York Christmas Trees will provide an 18-foot (5.4m) Nordmann Fir to stand outside the prime minister’s official residence.
Who supplies the trees for inside 10 Downing Street?
Welford Christmas Tree Farm in Northamptonshire finished as the grower competition runner-up and will supply the trees displayed inside No. 10.
Who won the champion wreath category?
Santa Trees from Liskeard, Cornwall, won the champion wreath award. The winning wreath was crafted by Helen Edge and her parents, Margaret and Ivor Dungey.
