Full Breakdown
Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir Secures Spot in Britain’s Got Talent Final
5/25/2026, 12:44:11 PM
Core Event: Semi-Final Victory and Final Appearance
The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir, a 32-34-member ensemble of UK farmers, won the public vote in the fifth semi-final of ITV’s *Britain’s Got Talent* (BGT). Their rendition of Bastille’s “Pompeii” at the Hammersmith Apollo earned them a place in the grand final, scheduled for 30 May at 19:00 BST. The choir will compete alongside nine other acts for the £250,000 prize and a slot at the next Royal Variety Performance.
Background & Formation
The choir was created in 2023 by TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson as part of a tongue-in-cheek advertising campaign for his Hawkstone brewery. A casting call attracted over 600 applicants; the final line-up includes farmers from England, Wales, and Scotland, with four members from Powys (Will Rogers, Rosie Jones, Aled Wyn Davies, Aled Griffiths). The original adverts were banned from television for explicit language, though they gained popularity online.
Key Figures and Participants
- Jeremy Clarkson – Founder and promoter of the choir.
- Kaleb Cooper – Co-star of *Clarkson’s Farm* who appears in promotional videos.
- James Florey (Northmoor, Oxfordshire) – Fourth-generation farmer and choir member who described the semi-final performance as “incredibly emotional.”
- Ben Chick (Sixpenny Handley, Dorset) – Described the experience as “the most exhilarating.”
- Abbie Condon (Witney, Oxfordshire) – Cited the choir as a “shining light” during a difficult period.
- Hugh Thomas (Pembrokeshire) – The choir’s oldest member, aged 75, who joined after recovering from a severe illness.
Impact on Farming Community and Mental Health
Choir members report that participation has improved personal wellbeing and fostered solidarity among farmers facing mental-health challenges. The group intends to donate a substantial portion of any prize money to charities supporting farmer mental health. Their high-profile platform also aims to counter misconceptions about British agriculture.
Official Statements & Responses
BGT judges praised the act: Amanda Holden highlighted the “solace, joy, comfort and friendship” the choir brings, while Simon Cowell called the performance “one of the most beautiful, incredible productions” he has seen on the show. KSI noted that “the UK knows how important each one of you are.” Clarkson, watching from home, said the choir made his “heart sing.”
Criticism & Controversy
The original Hawkstone brewery adverts that launched the choir were prohibited from TV broadcast due to explicit language, prompting criticism from broadcasting regulators despite strong online viewership.
Data & Statistics
- Choir size: reported as 32 members (BBC) and 34 members (Western Telegraph).
- Applicants: over 600 farmers responded to the casting call.
- Semi-final vote: public vote secured the choir’s advancement.
- Final line-up: 10 acts competing for £250,000.
- Date of final: 30 May, 19:00 BST on ITV.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the series year—BBC and County Times refer to the current series, while County Times mentions the “2026 series.” The choir’s exact membership count also varies (32 vs. 34). No independent verification of these figures is provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This choir, I know, has given you solace and joy and comfort and friendship, and all of that has created the most amazing music,” — Amanda Holden, BGT judge
- “I felt every single word that you guys sang... that was one of the best choir acts I've ever heard in my life.” — KSI, BGT judge
- “ Icon Simon Cowell, after initially struggling to find the right words to describe the act, added: “That was one of the most beautiful, incredible productions we've had on this show for years.” — Simon Cowell, BGT judge
- “I had to pinch myself – this was really happening to an old boy from Pembrokeshire.” — Hugh Thomas, choir member
- “If the choir helps dispel just a few of these myths, it will help the perception of the importance of agriculture in everyone’s lives.” — Hugh Thomas, choir member
- “Member Ben Brooke said they were "doing it for the people that are not here in the farming industry anymore.” — Ben Brooke, choir member
What’s Next
The choir will perform at the London Palladium on 30 May. Should they win, a significant share of the £250,000 prize will be allocated to mental-health charities serving the farming community, reinforcing their dual mission of entertainment and advocacy.
