Dark Peak Arts brings people together through music, singing and creative experiences inspired by the landscape and communities of the Peak District. Through residential courses, workshops, singing days and individual sessions, we create welcoming opportunities to learn, explore and connect.
Rooted in a love of folk music and shared creativity, our activities celebrate the joy of making music together, the benefits of spending time in beautiful places and the connections that grow through shared experiences.
Our Approach
We believe that making music and being creative should be enjoyable, welcoming, and open to everyone. Whether you’re an experienced musician, returning to something you once loved, or trying something completely new, our activities offer space to learn, experiment, and connect with others.
Our approach is friendly, supportive and rooted in the belief that creativity can enrich our everyday lives. We value the pleasure of sharing music, the confidence that comes from learning new skills, and the sense of belonging that grows when people come together. There’s no expectation to be perfect, just an invitation to take part, explore, and enjoy the experience.
Meet Bella Hardy
Dark Peak Arts was founded by Bella Hardy, an award-winning folk singer, songwriter and educator with over twenty years’ experience bringing people together through music.
Originally from Edale in the Hope Valley, Bella has a deep connection to the Peak District and its musical heritage. Alongside her career as a professional musician, she has worked extensively in music education, community participation and arts leadership, developing projects that make creativity accessible, enjoyable and meaningful.
Through Dark Peak Arts, Bella brings together her love of folk music, the landscape and the simple pleasure of people making music together. She works with a wonderful network of musicians, tutors and creative practitioners to offer experiences that are welcoming, inspiring and rooted in a sense of place.
Come and join us
Whether you’d like to spend a few days singing in the Peak District, join us for a day, or explore something new through individual lessons and mentoring, there are plenty of ways to get involved. We’d love to welcome you.