Interview: The Hawkstone Farmers Choir

A group of farmers brought together for an advertising campaign has struck an unexpected chord, opening up conversations about mental health in agriculture. We catch up with two members of the brilliant Hawkstone Farmers Choir. 

In a sector where isolation is common, the Hawkstone Farmers Choir is breaking the mold. The 32-strong group of farmers has transformed a shared passion for agriculture into a platform aimed at addressing the vital issue of mental health. After recently impressing the judges on Britain’s Got Talent, their journey extends far beyond just singing; it’s about fostering community spirit and encouraging conversations about the realities of farm life. 

How and when was the Hawkstone Farmers Choir created?

The choir began as part of a promotional campaign for Hawkstone, the drinks brand fronted by Jeremy Clarkson. But what started as a marketing master stroke, quickly morphed into something deeper. “We thought, why just stop after the adverts?” Ben Brooke, a fourth-generation farmer from the Cambridgeshire Fens, explains from the cab of his tractor on our Teams call.  

Originally, Ben hadn’t expected to play much of a role in proceedings. He applied to be an extra in the Hawkstone ad videos having never sung in a choir before. As part of the process, applicants had to submit a video – including a clip of themselves singing. “I chose the national anthem,” he laughs. “It’s the only song I could sing!” 

When the group first came together, expectations were modest. A small core had been expected to record the music, with others miming along – but that plan quickly changed once organisers heard the full group sing together. “So we can’t have been that bad,” Ben jokes. 

A mix of characters with shared values 

As the choir started to take shape, Clarkson’s involvement was vital. His genuine interest and support have boosted the group’s confidence and helped promote their mission. “It’s been incredible having him back us up – I think he’s quite proud of the choir,” says Katryna Shell, the third person on the call and another of the 32 choristers.  

Katryna lives on a family farm in Northumberland, where she and her husband produce Belgian Blue heifers for breeding. She knows all too well the pressures farmers face. Balancing the farm, a glamping business, and raising three kids, she details how being part of the choir is about more than just music – it’s a welcome respite. “We’re a real mix of characters, from ages 27 to 74, hailing from right across the country,” she says. “And yet, we share so many core values that draw us closer.” 

Life on the Britain’s Got Talent stage  

Not surprisingly, stepping onto the stage for a Britain’s Got Talent audition – something they’d been encouraged to do by so many people who’d heard them sing – was a surreal experience for all involved. “It’s been mental! We filmed at the beginning of October and we had to keep it all secret – it felt like ages before it finally aired,” Ben says, capturing the whirlwind of emotions that accompanied their journey.  

Their audition at the Birmingham Hippodrome was, of course, a huge highlight of the journey so far. But having Amanda Holden join their ‘watch party’ for the airing on Saturday evening – which saw all members of the choir travel to a pub in Oxfordshire – was pretty special too. “Having her show support felt great; it was awesome to have someone of her stature cheering us on,” Katryna says. “Though the night nearly unravelled when a village power-cut threatened to interrupt the big moment!” 

Mental health in farming: A core mission  

What truly distinguishes the Hawkstone Farmers Choir, is its commitment to addressing mental health in agriculture. “The statistics around mental health in farming are awful,” Ben emphasises. “If we can spark these conversations and get people talking, then we’re doing something important.”  

And of course the choir itself exemplifies community spirit and brings real benefits to its members. For Katryna, it has provided a crucial outlet away from her daily responsibilities. “What I’ve found, that I didn't really anticipate finding, is that doing something for yourself – something that you actually love – really goes a long way.  

“Singing in the choir is something that I don't have to do as a mother, or on the farm, or as a wife, or to run a business. It's something I truly am just doing for enjoyment, for myself, because I absolutely love it – and I didn't anticipate the feeling of joy I would get from that.”

It’s a key message the choir is eager to spread:  if you’re not feeling 100%, or you're going through a bit of a tough time, doing something you enjoy, with other people, can be the catalyst for sharing anything that might be weighing you down.  

“It doesn't have to be singing,” Katryna continues. “It could be dancing or painting or just going for a walk with a friend. That’s been a real take-away from the experience for me – if I’m not feeling too great, I'm a great one for just burying my head and pretending that everything's okay, when it probably isn't. Meeting up with others and being part of something that makes you smile and laugh goes a long way.” 

The response from outside the choir has been equally striking, with messages pouring in from across the farming community. Some have come from people reconnecting after years; others from families affected by loss, thanking the group for raising awareness. “It’s very humbling,” Katryna says. 

Inside the Hawkstone Farmers Choir’s operations  

With its 32 members all juggling their on-farm commitments, managing the choir is no small feat. “Getting everyone together is a challenge, but we make it work,” Katryna admits.  

For this they rely on Simon Gwilliam and Lizzie Dean, who not only provide creative direction and expert oversight for the choir but manage rehearsals and ensure that everyone stays focused. “They guide us through the process and teach us how to harmonise, which makes a big difference,” Katryna explains. “They do such a great job”.

A breathing space for farmers 

Throughout the call, repeatedly, I'm reminded that the Hawkstone Farmers Choir is about far more than music. Their gatherings clearly mean a great deal to those involved, and when they’re not together, they keep in touch on a WhatsApp group, which is constantly alive with messages of encouragement. “Even while we’re discussing this, the notifications are coming through thick and fast,” Katryna jokes.  

A key point of discussion on that WhatsApp group, I’m sure, is how they can now expand their outreach, build on the exposure they’ve enjoyed to date, and continue to raise awareness.  

“We are excited about what’s next,” says Ben optimistically. “We all feel this is just the start.” And he’s not just referring to their journey on the television show; the live semi-finals, in which he and his fellow singers secured a spot thanks to Amanda Holden’s ‘golden buzzer’, are expected to take place sometime in May. 

Katryna agrees: “We've all been throwing a few ideas around, but I think there'll be some exciting things we can do in the future that can hopefully really help the wider farming community.

“Watch this space!”