Farmers’ Choir NI hits high note as only Northern Ireland finalist for UK award
Farmers’ Choir NI Committee Members attending NI Farming Awards at the Culloden Hotel
More than 40 members of Farmers’ Choir NI are back rehearsing in Ballymena for a new season — and they already have plenty to sing about after earning recognition at both Northern Ireland and UK level.
The cross-community choir, which brings together farmers, people working in agriculture and members of rural communities, has reached the final of the Making Music UK Group of the Year Award 2026, where it is the only finalist from Northern Ireland.
It follows further recognition closer to home, with Farmers’ Choir NI named Highly Commended in the Society of the Year category at the Northern Ireland Farming Awards.
A community built around music
Every Monday evening, more than 40 members travel to Ballymena Academy to rehearse, often arriving straight from farms or work.
While singing brings the group together, friendship, laughter and the opportunity to switch off from the pressures of everyday life have become just as important.
Musical Director Barkley Thompson planning the Music for the incoming season
Musical Director Barkley Thompson said:
“It has been brilliant to see everyone back and to feel the enthusiasm at rehearsals. Farmers’ Choir is about singing, but it is also about friendship and bringing people together.
“There is a real sense of community within the choir, with plenty of laughter and craic. I think that is a big part of what keeps people coming back.”
Northern Ireland and UK recognition
The start of the new season has also put the choir in the spotlight, with members recently featuring on BBC Newsline and Cool FM, highlighting the group and its role within farming and rural communities.
But its selection as the only Northern Ireland finalist for the Making Music UK Group of the Year Award 2026 has given members another reason to celebrate.
Chairperson Johnston Adams said:
“It has been a fantastic start to season for the choir. To be Highly Commended at the Northern Ireland Farming Awards and to reach the final of the Making Music UK Group of the Year Award is a tremendous achievement. We are very proud of our members.”
Friendship beyond rehearsals
Committee Members at the Treasure Hunt in August
The community at the heart of Farmers’ Choir NI extends beyond its weekly rehearsals and performances.
During the summer, a choir treasure hunt attracted 35 cars and more than 120 people, bringing members, their families and friends together for an evening of fun, followed by refreshments and prizes at Ballymena Academy.
It is that mix of music and friendship which has helped create a group connecting people from farming and rural communities across Northern Ireland.
Busy programme ahead
Members are now preparing for a packed programme of performances, including the Harvest Hooley at Breckenhill and a Harvest Service at Ballyrashane Presbyterian Church.
Closer to Christmas, the choir will perform concerts at The Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena, as well as A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Patrick’s Parish Church in Kilrea and Drummaul Parish Church in Randalstown.
Farmers’ Choir NI is also continuing to welcome new members, with anyone who enjoys singing and would like to become part of a friendly, welcoming group connected to rural communities encouraged to get involved.
After a start to the season marked by recognition at home and across the UK, the focus now returns to what first brought its members together — singing, friendship and a shared sense of community.
