FOLLOWING talk that this year’s 10th anniversary of The Singing Farmers concerts were to be the last, demand has been such that a further series of concerts has been planned for 2014.

Singing Farmers’ instigator Chris Berry said: “You could say we’re getting closer to the last series of concerts with this tour, than we were in March.

“We had people pleading with us to carry on, so we’re delighted to be back on the road and pleased to announce that we are playing at three venues new to us in Pickering, Masham and Easingwold, as well as an old favourite in Tadcaster,” he said.

Since they started, The Singing Farmers have raised more than £100,000 for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

The Singing Farmers are made up of Ken Jackson, cattle showman, from near Doncaster, who sings classic hit songs largely from the 50s and 60s; Tony Richards, sheep farmer from Glaisdale, who plays country music, including Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jim Reeves; Charles Marwood, a sheep breeder, showman and judge from near Sheriff Hutton, who sings songs from the shows; Phillip Holden, farm supplies shop owner in Wensleydale and Swaledale, who provides great humour and Geordie folk songs; and Chris Berry, who sings songs from the 70s. Lloyd Lockwood plays keyboard with Charles, Phillip and Chris.

Sally Conner, the regional organiser for the RABI, said: “One thing I would say, though, is bring a cushion because you certainly get good old-fashioned Yorkshire value for money when you attend a Singing Farmers’ concert. It lasts three and a half hours.”

The farmers will performing at the Kirk Theatre, in Pickering, on Sunday, March 16, at 2.30pm.

Tickets are £13 and available by sending a cheque payable to RABI with a stamped addressed envelope, to: The Singing Farmers, 2 Elmete Croft, Scholes, Leeds LS15 4BE.