Oxfordshire farmers found Britain’s Got Talent a ‘lifesaver’

The Hawkstone Farmers Choir, made up of 34 agricultural workers from across the UK, became the first choir ever to win the ITV competition over the weekend.

They took home the £250,000 prize and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance after moving viewers and judges alike with their original song, This Is Home.

James Florey, from Northmoor, said: “Singing together, sharing stories, and having a laugh has been incredibly uplifting.”

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Declan Donnelly with The Hawkstone Farmers Choir at the final (Image: Dymond/TalkbackThames/Shutterstock)

The fourth-generation farmer at Churchill’s Farm manages 500 acres of beef cattle and sheep alongside environmental stewardship and educational school visits.

He added: “In many ways it has almost felt like a form of therapy—an opportunity to talk, connect and support one another, while doing something completely different from the usual demands of farm life.”

Beyond the stage, the group plans to use their new platform to continue championing rural wellbeing and celebrating the resilience of British farming.

The Hawkstone Farmers Choir at the final (Image: Dymond/TalkbackThames/Shutterstock)

Abbie Condon, a specialist in Red Tracto farm assurance from Witney, said: “It boosted my confidence and keeps giving me amazing experiences to look forward to.”

She added it is a “privilege to be able to project British agriculture into the face of the nation”.

In line with their mission, the choir has committed to donating a significant portion of the £250,000 prize money to agricultural mental health charities.

David Smith, a retired seed specialist from Middleton Cheney near Banbury, said: “The choir has meant to me pure enjoyment and meeting old customers and colleagues and making new friends.”