Ballymena-based Farmers’ Choir NI wins UK-wide award celebrating music, friendship and rural community
Saturday 03 October 2026
Farmers’ Choir NI has been crowned Making Music UK Group of the Year 2026 after winning a public vote, bringing national recognition to a choir which has become an important source of friendship and connection for farming and rural communities.
The cross-community choir, whose members travel to weekly rehearsals at Ballymena Academy, was selected from five groups shortlisted by a Making Music panel before receiving the most votes from the public.
Making Music recognised Farmers’ Choir NI “for bringing farmers and rural communities together through music, friendship and mutual support, providing a powerful sense of connection and belonging when it is needed most.”
More than a choir
Choir members Ruth and Mervyn Kelso who joined the choir after losing their dairy herd to Bovine TB (Photo courtesy of BBC)
While singing remains at its heart, Farmers’ Choir NI brings together farmers, people working in agriculture and members of rural communities, offering an opportunity to meet others, build friendships and enjoy time away from the pressures of everyday life.
That support has proved particularly meaningful for members who have experienced bereavement, illness, tragic farm accidents or the loss of entire herds to bovine TB. For some, joining the choir has provided a way to reconnect with others during especially difficult periods.
Musical Director Barkley Thompson said the UK-wide award was a “huge honour” for everyone involved.
“We are absolutely delighted to have been named Making Music UK Group of the Year. To be shortlisted by the Making Music panel was a huge honour, but to then have people get behind the choir and vote for us is something we are incredibly proud of.
“Farming and rural life can sometimes be lonely, and we have seen first-hand the difference that being part of a group like this can make. We are delighted that the story of Farmers’ Choir NI has been recognised right across the UK.”
Award belongs to choir members
Chairperson Johnston Adams, President Dawn Stewart, Musical Director Barkley Thompson and Patron Robin Swann delighted with the choirs success. (Photo courtesy of JTC Media NI)
Chairperson Johnston Adams said the recognition reflected the friendship and community that members have built together.
“This is a tremendous achievement for Farmers’ Choir NI and we are incredibly proud of every one of our members.
“The award recognises what the choir is all about — friendship, community and the enjoyment of making music together. A huge thank you goes to everyone who supported us and voted for the choir.
“Most importantly, this award belongs to our members. They are the people who make Farmers’ Choir NI what it is.”
The accolade adds to a memorable year for Farmers’ Choir NI, which was also Highly Commended in the Society of the Year category at the Farming Life Awards.
Farmers’ Choir NI Patron Robin Swann MP congratulated the group, saying:
“It’s fantastic to see the choir achieve this level of national recognition for the work it is doing. It is a credit to all those involved and who put so much time and energy into the choir.”
Autumn and Christmas performances ahead
The choir will next perform at a Harvest Service at Ballyrashane Presbyterian Church on Thursday 15 October at 8pm, featuring music from Farmers’ Choir NI alongside congregational praise in a celebration of harvest and thanksgiving.
Its Christmas programme will follow, including Christmas Concerts at The Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena and Festivals of Nine Lessons and Carols in Kilrea and Randalstown. The performances will round off a year in which a choir built around music and rural friendship has earned recognition across the UK.
