Four Powys farmers are heading to the live semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent after wowing judges – and now they’re asking locals to get behind them
Will Rogers, Rosie Jones, Aled Wyn Davies and Aled Griffiths - members of the Jeremy Clarkson-formed Hawkstone Farmers Choir - will perform at the London Apollo on Saturday, May 23, after their emotional audition earned a Golden Buzzer from judge Amanda Holden.
The group – made up of 32 farmers from across the UK – struck a chord with viewers through their rendition of One Day Like This.
Now, a strong Mid Wales contingent is calling on the community to help them ‘fly the flag’ for Welsh farming.
Among them is Aled Wyn Davies, a hill farmer from Llanbrynmair, who runs a flock of white-faced Welsh ewes in the Cambrian Mountains.
Describing the moment, they got the Golden Buzzer as “life-changing”, he said the response since appearing on the hit ITV show had been overwhelming.
“It’s been a crazy few weeks,” he said. “People from all over the world have been in touch - even people I haven’t heard from in years. It shows how much the choir’s message has connected.”
At home on his 1,500-acre family farm, Pentremawr, Aled has been juggling a demanding lambing season with rehearsals - often combining the two.
“Most of my practice has been in the tractor while doing chores,” he said. “It’s the best place to hit the high notes without bothering anyone - although the sheep might disagree.”
He is joined by fellow Machynlleth farmer Aled Griffiths, a fifth-generation upland farmer and NFU Group Secretary, who joked the pair make a natural “double act”.
Also in the choir is Rosie Jones, from Dolanog, who swapped life on the West End stage for farming at Plascoch. She said the choir had helped her reconnect with both music and the farming community.
“The choir has given me confidence in who I am and what I can do,” she said.
“It has been nice to connect with people again that not only understand the struggles and hardship of farming but have the unique flair of people who love to sing.
“I have found confidence in my belonging in the farming community".
Will Rogers, from Presteigne, who manages Panpwnton and Whitewall farms, said his family had been “holding the fort” while he travelled for rehearsals.
“We’re a tough and unique breed,” he said about the farming community. “If we can display some of our passion through song, we hope that everyone can get behind us.”
Beyond the competition, the choir is also raising awareness of mental health issues in the agricultural sector, including suicide prevention.
If they go on to win the £250,000 prize, members say they plan to donate a significant portion to rural mental health charities.
The group recently met for intensive rehearsals in Buckinghamshire, with members travelling from across the UK - including Mid Wales - to take part.
"The group is gelling amazingly well," Aled said. "We aren't just a choir; we are a support network. That's why we're doing this - to shine a light on rural mental health.
“Farmers often face isolation, and this group has shown that singing together can be a vital form of social prescribing".
As the semi-final approaches, the message from the group is simple - they want Wales behind them.
“The best feeling was having the audience behind us during the audition,” he said. “We’ll be singing from the bottom of our boots on Saturday – and we hope people will vote for us one more time.”
The live semi-final of Britain's Got Talent will be shown on ITV1 from 7pm on Saturday, May 23
Share