Six Oxfordshire farmers in The Hawkstone Farmers Choir are due to appear in the semi-finals for TV talent show Britain’s Got Talent this Saturday.
Originally founded by Jeremy Clarkson in the Cotswolds to advertise his alcohol brand, the group is a collective of real British farmers.
James Florey, a fourth-generation farmer from Witney who supplies beef and lamb to Mr Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog pub, described the experience as a world away from his daily routine.
He said: “One minute you’re out in the fields, the next you’re standing on a national stage under bright lights.
“It would be amazing to win, but even just having the chance to highlight the farming profession—the challenges, the pressures, and the impact it can have on mental health—is hugely important.”
The choir appeared on Britain’s Got Talent on March 21 and secured a golden buzzer from Amanda Holden during their audition.
During their audition the choir performed the Elbow anthem One Day Like This at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
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The Hawstone Farmers Choir at rehearsals (Image: Michael and Grace Blackwell)
This buzzer sent the 32-strong collective straight through to the live semi-finals.
Grace Blackwell, a Young Farmers Clubs leader from Wateperry, noted the choir became a vital support system following personal loss.
“Meeting everyone lifted my spirits significantly,” she said.
“I really hope that our performances will help bring British agriculture to the forefront of people’s minds. It’s a difficult industry and one that needs support.”
In March, the choir announced the release of a limited-edition vinyl record, with 100 per cent of the profits being donated to the mental health charity, Shout.
The limited-edition vinyl includes ‘F**k Me It’s Good’, ‘It’s The Dog’s Nuts’, ‘Apples’, and ‘The Stout National Anthem’.
Abbie Condon, who works in Red Tractor farm assurance in Witney, emphasised the pride she feels in representing the sector.
“It is such a privilege to be able to project British agriculture into the face of the nation that wouldn’t necessarily see us, and be able to tell our story,” she said.
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The Hawstone Farmers Choir at rehearsals (Image: Michael and Grace Blackwell)
Last Saturday, Rafferty Coope won the semi-final and secured his spot in the final later this month after getting the most votes from the public.
The young magician, who received the golden buzzer in the auditions from YouTuber KSI, combined music and magic to impress viewers.
Esther Stevens, a dairy farmer from Lechlade and a former opera singer, highlighted the importance of reaching out to those in need.
“My only wish is that we can help rural communities to reach out to people struggling with mental health,” she remarked.
“Farming and its associated industries can be very isolating. We can shout out about our industry and our passion.”