Voices from the Peak

Image: Mark Gwynne Jones by Dave Sturt

Mark Gwynne Jones is set to release three new audio chapters of his popular series Voices from the Peak.

And, the Derbyshire poet will be performing his award-winning one-man show Voices from the Peak – Live!.

The new audios will be available to listen to in full for a limited time via www.markgwynnejones.com and www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/voicesfromthepeak.

Described by The Times as ‘a fascinating quest… An audio odyssey… and some marvellous Derbyshire reflections…’, Voices from the Peak is a journey through the Peak District in word, film and sound, incorporating the unique qualities of people and place.

The three new audios, titled Nine Ladies, The Blessing of Water and Ravens Tor, present a creative exploration of the enduring popularity of stone circles, stories of water and well dressings, and the return of ravens to the Peak District.

One audio chapter a week will be released online on October 3^rd, 10^th and 17^th.

Extracts of the earlier audio chapters: Burning Drake, Snow! and Kinder Scout, launched in 2022, can also be heard online. These are available in full on a double cd to buy from Bakewell visitor centre, or direct from Mark’s website

To celebrate the new work, Mark is touring his award-winning show Voices from the Peak – Live! at venues in and around the Peak District, including Derby, Bakewell and Taddington.

Drawing on childhood experiences and encounters with poachers, shepherds, and mineral miners from a landscape rich with both beauty and danger, Mark’s funny and absorbing in-person presentation rediscovers the stories that connect us to the land.

Mark Gwynne Jones explains: “There is poetry in everyday speech, in spontaneous expressions about nature or places, and our connection to the land. The Peak District speaks though our stories and it has been fascinating working with the words, blending them with sounds and music to create works that take people on an audio odyssey. I hope these new chapters will continue to entertain, inform and inspire listeners.”

Voices from the Peak – Live! can be seen this autumn on:

·         Saturday 30 September, show 11.30am, at Whitwell Library, S80 4QR. A free 1-hour show, tickets need to be reserved via 01629 533988.

·         Tuesday 3 October, show 7pm, at Dubrek Studios, Derby, DE1 3LB. Tickets £6.50, performance and open mic event, www.derbypoetryfestival.com/2023festival to book.

·         Saturday 14 October, show 7.30pm, at the Medway Centre, Bakewell, DE45 1DY. Tickets £12, from Bakewell visitor centre, or from the Medway Centre 01629 813638.

·         Sunday 15 October, show 2.30pm, at Repton School, Repton Festival. Tickets £12, www.reptonfestival.co.uk to book.

·         Friday 1 December, show 7.30pm, at Taddington village hall, Taddington, SK17 9TU. Tickets £12, from 07929 151 688 or 01298 85384.

Voices from the Peak is funded by Arts Council England and supported by the Peak District National Park Authority and Derbyshire County Council.