More than a choir: £19,600 boost to help tackle rural isolation through music and friendship
Farmers’ Choir NI committee members celebrate the £19,600 funding
Saturday 31 October 2026
Farmers’ Choir NI has been awarded £19,600 from The National Lottery Community Fund to strengthen friendships and bring farming and rural communities together through music and social activities.
The funding will help the registered charity develop community networks, organise social events and support concerts, creating more opportunities for people across Northern Ireland to connect.
Members include farmers, people working in agriculture and rural residents who travel from across Northern Ireland to attend weekly rehearsals, concerts and social gatherings.
Friendship beyond the music
Members of Farmers’ Choir NI rehearse for the Autumn Season
While singing is at the heart of the choir, its chairperson Johnston Adams says the connections formed between members are just as important.
“Farmers’ Choir NI is about much more than singing. It’s about friendship, having a laugh and knowing there are people around you who understand your way of life. Farming can be isolating, and our choir gives people the opportunity to get out, meet others and enjoy being part of something special.”
The choir was established to bring people together through song, friendship and a shared connection to farming and their local communities.
Its activities give members opportunities to meet others who understand the challenges of agricultural work and countryside life, while enjoying new experiences together.
More opportunities to come together
Members of Farmers’ Choir NI
Musical Director Barkley Thompson welcomed the award and the opportunities it will create.
“We are absolutely delighted to receive £19,600 from The National Lottery Community Fund. This funding will help us build on the work we are already doing and create more opportunities for people to come together through music and friendship.”
The funded activities aim to reduce isolation, strengthen friendships and help people feel part of a wider community. Concerts will also bring audiences together to enjoy music and celebrate Northern Ireland’s people and communities.
Treasurer Pamela Duddy paid tribute to those whose participation in the National Lottery has made the support possible.
“We are very grateful to National Lottery players for making this funding possible. It will help us continue bringing people together and strengthening friendships across our farming and rural communities.”
With the funding in place, the choir plans to build on its existing rehearsals, concerts and social activities, giving more people living and working in rural areas opportunities to find friendship and a sense of belonging.
