Harriet Cowan has praised her Clarkson’s Farm co-stars and hailed British farmers after Jeremy Clarkson’s inaugural Farm-Fest became embroiled in controversy over struggling traders and claims of poor sales.
The 25-year-old farmer and television personality shared a glowing Instagram post after appearing at the three-day event, which was held over the Bank Holiday weekend at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.
Despite criticism from several stallholders who claimed they were left “thousands of pounds out of pocket”, Ms Cowan described the festival as “an amazing” celebration of farming and rural life.
Posting a carousel of photographs from the weekend, Ms Cowan wrote: “FARMFEST 2026. It was a warm one!”
The Great British Farm-Fest is a major new countryside festival headlined by Jeremy Clarkson
| GETTYShe went on to describe a packed schedule of appearances and activities alongside fellow Clarkson’s Farm stars, including Kaleb Cooper and Jeremy Clarkson.
Ms Cowan revealed she took part in a “grand ring show” with presenter Adam Henson and farmer Tess Leymoor, before joking about seeing Mr Clarkson “pulling a tyre off its rim”.
The farming influencer also said she performed a DJ set with radio presenter Chris Stark and competed in a country-themed quiz where the Clarkson’s Farm team defeated BBC programme Countryfile.
“Clarkson's farm (me, The Tall Irish and Annabel Gray) beat Countryfile on a country quiz,” she wrote.
Harriet Cowan is a breakout star from season four of Amazon Prime’s hit show Clarkson's Farm
|Amazon
Ms Cowan added that she had the opportunity to interview “amazing farming heroes” during the final evening of the festival.
“You guys were all so lovely and it was amazing to see so many farmers from around the UK in one place to celebrate our incredible industry,” she said.
Her comments came as organisers faced backlash from a number of traders who claimed the event had been financially disastrous.
Several business owners posted emotional videos on social media alleging they had made significant losses after poor footfall in certain trading areas.
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Korrine Pallas, owner of Phoenix Equestrian and Pet Supplies, said the festival had been “catastrophic” for her family business.
In a tearful TikTok video, she said: “We are a few grand down. It has been horrific.”
Another trader, saddle fitter Julie Masters, alleged her stand had been blocked by a lorry and claimed repeated requests for it to be moved were ignored.
Meanwhile, social media personality Ben Newman, known online as “Spud Man”, admitted he was struggling to make a profit despite attracting large queues.
The potato seller said he hoped he would “make a little bit” by the end of the weekend after trading at both Farm-Fest and another festival in Derbyshire.
Organisers of The Great British Farm-Fest insisted only a “handful” of exhibitors left early out of the 400 traders attending the event.
A spokesman said they were “surprised” by the departures and pointed to visitor numbers exceeding 50,000 across the weekend.
The festival featured live music performances from acts including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 10cc, Blur bassist Alex James and Groove Armada.
Korrine Pallas said the festival had been 'catastrophic' for her family business
|TikTok
Ms Cowan’s post attracted many comments from attendees, many of whom praised the atmosphere and described the festival as “the best weekend of the year”.
One supporter wrote: “Amazing event. I’m still on a high.”
Another added: “What a fabulous way to celebrate farmers!”
However, not all reactions were positive.
One critic commented: “Farming is an industry in peril and people think the solution is to go give all your money to a multi-millionaire.”
Ms Cowan rose to prominence after joining Clarkson’s Farm as Mr Cooper’s temporary replacement while he toured the country on a speaking tour.
The Derbyshire farmer, who previously worked as an NHS nurse, has since become a prominent advocate for young people entering agriculture and frequently speaks about mental health within the farming community.