The Birth of Young Farmers DIY AGM at Blackpool

The Young Farmers Community was established in 2018 in response to the cancellation of the long-standing National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) Annual Convention. The NFYFC made the difficult decision to discontinue the event following reports of anti-social behaviour at the 2018 convention in Blackpool, held over the May bank holiday weekend (4–6 May). While the federation insisted it had not been “banned” from any host towns, it ultimately chose to end the convention after 50 successful years. The announcement, made on 2 August 2018, was met with disappointment and frustration from young farmers across the country, who had regarded the gathering as the highlight of their social calendar.

Determined to preserve the spirit of the event, a group of young farmers launched the Young Farmers Community to uphold their reputation, raise money for charity, and provide an opportunity for members to come together in a positive and organised setting. This led to the creation of the D.I.Y AGM, a self-organised alternative to the NFYFC convention, designed to showcase the best of the young farming community while continuing the tradition of bringing people together.

The first D.I.Y AGM, held in Blackpool in 2019, was a resounding success, attracting around 3,500 attendees and raising over £7,500 for charity. The event served as a statement that young farmers were a responsible, community-driven group, eager to maintain the legacy of the convention while fostering a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

With each passing year, the D.I.Y AGM has grown in scale and ambition, with organisers working tirelessly behind the scenes to make each gathering bigger and better. 2023 aimed to surpass all previous editions, ensuring a vibrant and memorable weekend for young farmers from across the UK.

National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. Fun, Learning, and Achievement in Blackpool Lancashire. UK Weather. May 2018. Sunny start to the day on the Fylde Coast as the north-west coast experiences the hottest temperatures so far this week. Teenagers wearing trendy, funny t-shirts, offensive, offensive tees, inappropriate shirts, and bawdy clothing, with rude slogans & text on the seafront promenade. NFYFC Annual Convention in Blackpool 2018 as more than 5000 farmers from across England and Wales gather together to celebrate being part of one of the largest rural youth organisations.