A Light in the Dark (2021-22) was a creative project that explores the rich history & heritage of the Upper Durham Dales, breathing life into the landscape through folk dance, music, storytelling & visual art.

Working with artists, storytellers, traditional dancers and musicians, we created a programme of workshops in local schools, community groups and to visitors at Killhope Lead Mining Museum.

Our young musicians worked with Marty Longstaff (The Lake Poets) to create a new piece of music, inspired by the landscape. Natalie Reid, Grace Smith and Malcolm Green (A Bit Crack) led clog dance, lantern making and storytelling sessions, bringing the programme to young people across the Durham Dales.

As part of our wider programme funded by Durham County Council & Arts Council England, M@HoT presented a series of concerts, ceilidhs & workshops, bringing some of the finest folk musicians in the North East to community venues in SW Durham.