Two businesses at New Covent Garden Flower Market brought the festive spirit to a local Church by donating two giant Christmas trees and a festive wreath for a carol concert, held at the end of November.

Father Shaun of St Mary's RC Church with a Christmas tree donated by Quality Plants at NCGM

The carol concert at St Mary’s RC Church in nearby Chelsea, marked the start of the advent season with the trees and wreath (donated by Dean Knight at Quality Plants and Bryan Porter at Porters Foliage), helping decorate the event, which was attended by more than 200 guests and raised an amazing £12,000 for charity.

One of the trees now has a permanent home at the church’s entrance, while the other has pride of place in the hall of St Joseph’s RC Primary School, located almost next door to St Mary’s Church. “The children are delighted by these beautiful trees," says James Stacey, Head of School, adding: "I'd like to thank Covent Garden Market Authority and everyone at the Flower Market for their generous support.”

The tree donated to St Mary's Church will be used for their 'Christmas Tree of Hope' Appeal, with parishioners invited to decorate the tree by buying a star. "I want to thank New Covent Garden Market for the generous donation," says Father Shaun. "We're asking parishioners to donate what they can to buy a star, with a suggested amount of £5 per star. Every star placed on the tree will support the work of St Mary’s in our local community as we feed rough sleepers, look after the elderly and provide support to those who are vulnerable. Each star therefore represents a gift of hope to someone in need."

Father Shaun added: "We hope that by Christmas, the tree that you have donated will be full of stars. Each star will represent a gift to a person who is finding life tough. That gift will not only bring practical support but it will also represent the gift of  warmth, dignity and hope to someone who is desperately in need."

Students at St Joseph's RC School with the Christmas tree donated by NCGM

The Flower Market is a one-stop shop for all your Christmas decoration needs and is open every day until Christmas. From beautiful real trees (Quality Plants, Green & Bloom and Bloomfields) and wreaths (Porters Foliage) to an amazing assortment of lights and decorations (Lavenders of Covent Garden and Whittingtons), we’ve got your festive fun covered.

Thanks for Ryan Yap for the photo of Father Shaun.