I’ve been a member High Peak Singers, a non-auditioned amateur choir led by Hannah Brine for 4 years now, performing at least 3 times per year.

Choir is special to me, it clears the mind (forced meditation), connects me to people I wouldn’t otherwise meet, and provides much needed release from the stressors of modern life; clarity, community, and calm.

This Summer 2026 term is very special, Hannah and Jen Watson have written a new choral suite about the High Peak and surrounding areas, where I spent my childhood, to be performed at the Buxton International Festival on 11th July 2026 (book your ticket). This coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Peak District National Park.

To be singing about a place so special to me and to be involved in the music-making process has been a great honour, something so far out my comfort zone or daily life it has been incredibly enlightening. Hannah and Jen have captured the magic of the Peaks in their work; I can’t wait to perform it.

Alongside the BIF performance, Hannah has challenged herself to walk all 95 Ethels in the Peak District National park - something I have yet to even start (although I have walked a few of them accidentally during my earlier years).

I’ve had the privilege of being able to sit back in my comfy office chair and edit some of the content that Hannah has been posting to Instagram about the walks. So interesting to hear the stories of those living in the area, including some of my fellow choir members!

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If you want to get involved in High Peak Singers, check out https://hannahbrinechoirs.co.uk/join-a-choir/ for more information.

More information about Voices of the Peaks can be found at https://hannahbrinechoirs.co.uk/voices-of-the-peaks/.

If you’re in the Buxton area on the 11th July 2026, please do book a ticket to come and see us, we’d love to see you there https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/voices-of-the-peaks/.