The Hawkstone Farmers Choir is set to record an album following its win on Britain's Got Talent
The Hawkstone Farmers Choir could be bidding for a Christmas Number One after revealing plans to record an album are well underway.
The group is performing at the opening day of the Welsh Royal Show before heading straight into the studio to ‘lay down' tracks for their very first album.
Choir member and Northumberland-based farmer Katryna Shell said the past few weeks had been ‘an absolute whirlwind'.
Debut album
"We do not know if we are coming or going at the moment. There has been a lot of travelling. A lot of rehearsing and after we have played here we are going to a recording studio to record our debut album. I cannot really believe it."
The 34-strong ensemble was originally formed as part of an advertising campaign for Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone lager commercial before coming together to compete on the ITV1 talent show. After receiving the ‘Golden Buzzer' from judge Amanda Holden, the group went on to win the whole show, scooping £250,000 and the opportunity to perform on this year's Royal Variety Show.
READ NOW: Hawkstone Farmers' Choir's songwriter says winning song was 'huge risk'
After coming together for rehearsals the group, made up of farmers from across the country, have bonded sharing not only the success but their experiences of the industry and the challenges many in agriculture face.
The as-yet-untitled album will feature original music by Simon Gwillem, who wrote the choir's BGT-winning song ‘This is Home' – the first original number to triumph on the show.
"We are hoping to knock Olivia Dean and Sam Fender off the Number One spot," Ms Shell joked.
The challenge to keep farming
However, despite the group's growing showbiz commitments, unlike many performers, farmers have to keep farming, especially at this time of year.
"It has been a challenge," said Oxfordshire farmer James Florey. "I am lucky my family is helping – everyone is doing a bit more. Neighbours too have all got involved and I am very grateful.
Ms Shell said: "That is what is incredible about this industry – people are there when you need them. We have had overwhelming support."
READ MORE: Opinion - There is no show like the Royal Welsh Show
One of the best things, according to Mr Florey, is being able to share the success with family and friends.
"Every time I get back from a rehearsal, I have another titbit to share with the children and they love it," he said.
"One of the reasons for doing this is to inspire the next generation," Katryna added. "Which is not always easy at the moment."
The Hawkstone Farmers Choir is set to perform at the British Farming Awards on October 15.
