Major rural festival backs two support organisations

The Great British Farm Fest has announced two official charity partners ahead of its debut event at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire this May, as organisers launch a nationwide search to recognise the country’s unsung farming heroes.

The three-day festival, running from 22 to 24 May 2026, will support the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, known as RABI, and the mental health text service Shout UK. Both charities provide support to farmers and rural communities facing financial pressure, stress and isolation.

Organisers say the partnerships reflect the growing pressures across British agriculture and aim to bring greater attention to wellbeing and resilience in the sector.

Festival director Chris Hughes said the new Farming Heroes initiative will recognise individuals whose work reflects the strength and innovation of modern farming.

“UK agriculture is underpinned by incredible dedication, but the diverse stories of those working on the ground often go untold. Our Farming Heroes initiative is designed to change that,” he said.

“We want to hear about the dairy farmer who innovated to tackle rising costs, the arable farmer protecting the environment, the young farmer taking on a huge challenge, or the seasoned professional passing on vital skills. We believe these stories will elevate the industry narrative and showcase the vital role farming plays in our national life.”

Farming heroes nominations open

The Farming Heroes programme invites nominations from industry bodies, rural organisations and members of the public.

The initiative aims to highlight individuals who demonstrate innovation, sustainability, technical skill or community leadership within agriculture.

Organisers say it will also celebrate farmers who have overcome difficult economic and environmental conditions while continuing to support their local communities.

Those selected will receive complimentary access to the festival and an invitation to a dedicated Farming Heroes area where they can meet fellow nominees and be recognised throughout the event.

Nominations are now open online and will close on 22 April.

RABI, founded in 1860, provides financial, practical and emotional support to farming families across England and Wales. The charity offers advice on benefits, independent living and access to a 24-hour confidential helpline for counselling and mental health training.

Lee Krawczyk, head of marketing and communications at RABI, said the festival provides an opportunity to connect with the wider farming community.

“We’re extremely proud to be named as joint Official Charity Partner at The Great British Farm Fest,” he said.

“This exciting festival provides a powerful platform to celebrate the sector, showcase farming to a wider audience and bring the farming community together. We look forward to being part of the celebration and sharing more about the practical, financial and emotional support RABI provides to farming people every day of the year.”

Mental health pressures highlighted

Mental health organisations say farmers face unique pressures, including financial uncertainty, long working hours and isolation in rural areas.

A Shout UK survey conducted in 2025 found that two-thirds of conversations with farmers over a twelve month period related to work-related stress. More than half of those contacting the service cited loneliness or isolation as a major factor affecting their well-being.

Shout UK offers a free, confidential text messaging support service available 24 hours a day. Trained volunteers respond to people experiencing anxiety, stress, depression or suicidal thoughts, with clinical supervision available in real time.

Francesca Hughes, partnership manager at Shout UK, said the organisation hopes the festival partnership will help raise awareness of available support.

“Farming communities face unique pressures, and too often those challenges are carried alone,” she said.

“Through our partnership with The Great British Farm Fest, we want to make sure every farmer knows that free, confidential support is just a text away, any time, any day.”

Festival lineup unveiled

Visitors to the Warwickshire festival will see several well-known names from British farming and food.

Jeremy Clarkson, Lisa Hogan, Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland are expected to appear alongside farmer and television presenter Adam Henson and chef Matt Tebbutt.

Entertainment will include performances from Groove Armada, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Alex James Britpop Classical and DJ Chris Moyles.

Food and drink will feature produce from British farms, including Hawkstone Beer and Cider and produce from Diddly Squat Farm Shop.

Organisers say the event will combine farming, food, music and family entertainment, while highlighting the challenges and achievements of Britain’s agricultural community.

Discounted tickets have been made available to farming families through partner organisations, including Farmers Guardian, the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, the National Farmers Union and the Royal Agricultural University.

Adult day tickets start from £60, with weekend, camping and VIP packages also available.