Choir Member Highlights Mental Health Message Over Britain's Got Talent Win
A member of the Hawkstone Farmers Choir, winners of the 2026 Britain's Got Talent, has emphasized that spreading their message is the choir's primary focus.
James Florey, part of the choir originally formed by TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson for an advertising campaign promoting his Cotswolds-based brewing company, stated that their victory "hasn't really sunk in yet".
The choir comprises farmers and agricultural workers from across the United Kingdom.
Florey, who hails from Oxfordshire, explained the choir's aim is to "potentially raise more money for charity going forward."
In an Instagram post, the choir reflected on their journey beyond the initial advertising project:
"Over the last year, this choir has become something far bigger than music. It's become a community built on shared experience, resilience and understanding."
Florey added that although winning was "brilliant," it was never the main objective.
"It was about spreading that message, that's the most important thing for all of us," he said.
Mental Health Challenges in Farming Highlighted
In February, the Farm Safety Foundation's Mind Your Head initiative reported that the mental wellbeing of UK farmers reached a four-year low, with 47 suicides recorded in 2024 alone, marking a 7% increase since 2022.
Celebrations at Oxford Downs Cricket Club
The choir's winning moment was celebrated by a large crowd at the Oxford Downs Cricket Club.
Chairman Paul Fowler described the scene:
"I got to the ground about seven o'clock and I couldn't even get into the clubhouse - someone had to pass me a pint through the window, it was that busy."
Fowler praised Florey as "an incredibly good guy," noting his roles as a coach, committee member, and player at the club.
"People wanted to cheer him on and the rest of the choir," Fowler added.
Prize and Future Plans
The choir will receive a £250,000 cash prize along with the opportunity to perform at the annual Royal Variety Performance.
Florey expressed the choir's intentions for the prize money:
"We've always said that with the money we've won from Britain's Got Talent that we'd like to donate a proportion of that to mental health charities."
He also stated their desire to continue contributing positively:
"We'd love to go and do more good things."
Choir Members Reflect on Experience and Mental Health
Ben Chick, a farmer from Sixpenny Handley, Dorset, described performing in the semi-final as "the most exhilarating experience."
Andy Fussell, from Rode near Frome in Somerset, spoke about the pressures faced by the farming community:
"The farming community was supposed to be strong. We do work a lot of hours on our own... and a lot of time to think of some thoughts. Pressures with regards to money, family, work, weather. It's no shame to talk, no embarrassment. Get it off your chest."
Sally Ann-Spence, a farmer from just outside Swindon in Wiltshire, shared her emotional journey:
"I'm still pinching myself, it's just incredible. It's been life-changing already because we've made such an amazing choir family. We've all been affected by mental health in the industry. We've lost friends and family members. It's a really big, emotional rollercoaster."
Other Finalists' Reactions
In the final held on Saturday, dog act Anastasiia and Salsa finished third, while drone display team Celestial secured second place.
John Partridge, Celestial's director and head of production from Somerset, expressed surprise at their success:
"We didn't think we'd get this far. It's amazing to represent Somerset in front of millions of people watching live. To be runner's up to Hawkstone, I'll take that any day of the week."
