Farmers’ choir brings mental health message to BGT

A Buckinghamshire farmer will take to the national stage this weekend as part of a 32-strong rural choir aiming to highlight farming and mental health on Britain’s Got Talent.

Richard Heady, 39, from Drayton Parslow near Milton Keynes, will perform with the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir when he appears on the hit TV show, airing at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX on Saturday (21 March).

The group, made up of farmers and rural professionals from across the UK, will sing an uplifting anthem during their audition at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

See also: Clarkson hits out at Hawkstone beer advert ban

Mr Heady, who manages the 1,030ha mixed family farm WF Heady & Sons, comprising beef cattle and arable production, said taking part in the programme had been a unique experience.

“The vibes from the crowd were just immense, and we all left on such a high,” he said.

He also described the performance as a “proper once in a lifetime, goosebumps moment”.

Richard Heady at Britain’s Got Talent © Richard Heady

The choir will perform in front of a judging panel including Amanda Holden, Stacey Solomon, Alesha Dixon and KSI.

Beyond the performance, the choir is using its platform to raise awareness of mental health challenges in agriculture – and to support charities in the sector.

Valuable escape

Mr Heady said his singing was previously confined to the tractor cab or performing Christmas carols to his cattle.

But joining the choir has provided a valuable escape from the stresses of farming life.

“Both living and working on the farm, it can be hard to escape and switch off from work mode – the choir has given space to do this,” he said.

“You are completely in the zone when singing with a group; all the farming worries just fade away.”

Away from the stage, Mr Heady’s daily routine involves finishing beef cattle and managing arable crops alongside his father and uncle.

He said modern farming brings increasing pressures, including succession challenges and farm inheritance tax concerns, where land might be lost.

“It is heartbreaking to lose fields in which you know every variation of soil, every tree, badger sett and nest,” he said.

Despite the pressures, Mr Heady remains a passionate advocate for the land, citing the “fantastic sunrises” and exposure to local wildlife as the best parts of the job.

Richard Heady with Kaleb Cooper and Jeremy Clarkson © Richard Heady

Originally formed through a project linked to Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone beer brand, the choir now aims to raise awareness of British agriculture and support mental health charities in the sector.

Mental health ‘mission’

Beyond the entertainment, the choir is on a mission to bridge the gap between farmers producing food and the public while raising vital funds for mental health charities in the agricultural sector.

Mr Heady hopes that the group’s success will help “spread a positive message” and let those in the industry know that support is available.

The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir are preparing for a series of new projects in 2026 to continue supporting British farming.