Downing Street Christmas tree

It arrives near the end of November and is lit in early December for a live BBC News programme.

[3] Members of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association take part in an annual competition for "growth of the year" and "champion festive wreath" and winners provide their trees and wreaths for display outside No.

[4] The tree is ceremonially lit by the prime minister and his or her spouse, who usually say a few words first.

The event is attended by various guests such as staff members, charity volunteers, British Armed Forces and their families, who sing Christmas carols afterward.

[5] In 2012, David Cameron asked finalists from The X Factor to assist him in the lighting.