This October, Derbyshire poet Mark Gwynne Jones is set to release three new audio chapters of his popular series Voices from the Peak, and will be performing his award-winning one-man show Voices from the Peak – Live! in Bakewell.
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 Ravens Tor, Nine Ladies, and The Blessing of Water, present a creative exploration of the return of ravens to the Peak District, the enduring popularity of stone circles, and stories of water and well dressings.
One audio chapter a week will be released online on October 3rd, 10th and 17th, available on www. peakdistrict.gov.uk/ voicesfromthepeak.
To celebrate the new work, Mark will deliver his award-winning show Voices from the Peak – Live! at the Medway Centre in Bakewell, on Saturday 14 October.
Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12, and can be reserved on 01629 813638 or enquiries@ medwaycentre.co.uk.
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.”
The new audios will be available to listen to in full for a limited time via www.peak district.gov.uk/voices fromthepeak
Extracts of the earlier audio chapters: Burning Drake, Snow! and Kinder Scout, launched in 2022, can also be heard on the National Park website. These are available in full on a double cd to buy from Bakewell visitor centre, or direct from www.mark gwynnejones.com.
Voices from the Peak is funded by Arts Council England and supported by the Peak District National Park Authority and Derbyshire County Council.