TWO farmers will be swapping fields for the spotlight as they take the stage in the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent.
Andy Owens, from Marden, and Will Rogers, from Presteigne, are part of the Hawkstone Farmers Choir, which has reached the next stage of the ITV show, after the group received the famous 'golden buzzer' in March.
Performing at the London Apollo on Saturday, May 23, the choir hopes to capture the nation’s support.
For Mr Owens, a fourth-generation farmer at New House Farm in Marden, the TV success has meant his 16-year dream has come true. He and his older brother had considered auditioning as a duet some years ago, but life on the farm got in the way.
"I got pretty low last year dealing with the drought," he added.
"When singing in the choir, you lose your personal inhibitions.
"I soon realised I wasn't alone, and everyone had their fair share of problems."
Mr Owens, who manages sheep, arable crops, and the popular Pumpkin Patch, said the choir has been a lifeline for him during a challenging year.
He is currently finishing lambs and preparing land for maize and pumpkins, with his parents helping by checking livestock so he can attend rehearsals.
Mr Rogers, who manages the 240 hectare Panpwnton and Whitewall farms, said: "We usually end up biting off more than we can chew and chewing like mad."
Despite the non-stop demands of family farming, he has embraced the “surreal and exciting” journey.
Mr Rogers credited his wife and parents for “holding the fort” while he’s away and said the choir is “well bonded” thanks to their shared experiences of the “farming rollercoaster.”
The choir’s polished performances are guided by musical director Simon Gwilliam and choir director Lizzie Deane.
Mr Owens described the group’s connection as “lightning in a bottle.”
He said: "We were close before BGT, but sharing that once-in-a-lifetime experience... has definitely created a unique bond."
Beyond singing, the choir aims to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention in farming communities.
If they win the £250,000 prize, they have pledged to donate a significant portion to agricultural mental health charities.
Mr Owens said: "We want to sing loud and clear to all the amazing farmers nationwide who are struggling... You are not alone."
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