A choir, featuring a retired farmer from Bedford, will be competing in the grand final of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) this Saturday (30 May).
69-year-old Tim Durrant performed Pompeii by Bastille in the semi-final as part of the Hawkstone Farmers Choir in the 19th series of the hit talent show.
The choir was formed in 2024 after a search for “strong singers who are farmers” for a project involving Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone drinks brand.
And though the choir was originally formed for a beer ad campaign, it quickly evolved into a vital mental health support network for its members and the wider farming community.
Read: From isolation to inspiration: Bedford farmer’s choir triumph on Britain’s Got Talent
From the isolation of the fields to the prestigious stage of the London Palladium, the choir has been carrying a powerful message for the British agricultural community.
Combating isolation through singing
The group is dedicated to raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention in an industry often defined by isolation and intense financial pressure.
Speaking to the Bedford Independent earlier in the year, Tim said: “Having a well-developed imposter syndrome, I found that being accepted by others into the Farmer’s Choir has given me a sense of community and belonging that I hadn’t realised I’d lost.”
The choir’s charitable aims are central to their journey.
If they win the £250,000 grand prize, they have pledged to donate a significant portion to mental health charities supporting the farming community.
“One of the best choir acts I have ever heard in my life”
The choir’s semi-final performance of Bastille’s “Pompeii” earned high praise from the BGT panel, with lead judge, Simon Cowell, saying: “That was one of the most beautiful, incredible productions we’ve had on this show for years.
“I don’t think it gets better than that”.
YouTuber and social media influencer, KSI, was full of praise, saying: “The whole of the UK knows how important each and every one of you is… that was one of the best choir acts I have ever heard in my life”.
Judge, Amanda Holden said: “This choir I know has given you solace, joy, comfort and friendship… and all of that has created the most amazing music”.
And Alesha Dixon said the choir’s passion was “infectious”, with “genuine love and passion pouring out of every single one of you.”
“You can’t bottle that feeling”
The choir’s vocal coach, Lizzie Deane, described the atmosphere at the semi-final as “electric.”
“You can’t take in how loud the audience are,” she said.
“There was such a buzz in the room as we stepped on stage. We were the last to perform, so it was pretty nerve-wracking.
“We gave it our all, though, and the audience was incredible. The judges were really positive and afterwards when a handful of us were waiting for the results on stage, we couldn’t contain our emotion.
“We were squeezing each other’s hands, then when the results were called out, we were absolutely ecstatic.
“You can’t bottle that feeling. And now we have to do it all again on Saturday. Wish us luck…”
Tune in to the Britain’s Got Talent final on ITV on Saturday, 30 May at 7pm.
