Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September 2026

Running for its second year, the Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail takes place on 26-27 September 2026. This is a unique event to the area and celebrates local creativity and sustainable travel. Everyone will be invited to travel on the Hope Valley railway line and hop on and off to explore local creativity village by village. Artists will be opening their studios, gardens and exhibiting in villages where you can buy local handmade gifts, get hands on in creative workshops and enjoy some local refreshments and entertainment along the way.

Last year we had 18 amazing artists taking part across 9 venues between Edale and Grindleford, offering everything from sketching and collage to painting and open studio visits. We also had pottery and sketching workshops along with the special opening of the historic Padley Chapel.

This year the event will take place over two full days across even more venues in the Hope Valley, offering a weekend of creativity, inspiration and community. Save the date and read below how you can get involved. Our Art Trail by Rail booklet with maps and venue information will be available online and in local cafes closer to the event. 

The event is free and runs 10:00 – 17:00 both Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026.

Artist Registration Form

How do I get Involved

Take part as a Volunteer

We’d love any extra support to make this event happen, whether it’s a one-off task or helping over the weekend. Here are some of the ways you can get involved:

  • Spread the word – Share our event online, in your local Whatsapp Group, with a friend.
  • Set up on the day – Put up signage and direction arrows, helping with tables and decorations at venues.
  • Welcome visitors – Welcoming visitors either at one of the 5 train Stations or a village venue by giving out the Art Trail booklet and any local directions or further travel information.
  • Join our Planning Team – Support with the logistics, planning, design, local business partnerships and promotion of the event. Come along to one of our next meetups!

What volunteers will receive

All volunteers will be briefed and provided with the necessary information and resources needed in advance of the day. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to visit some of the trail yourselves and will be provided with an unlimited Northern Rail travel ticket for the day to use on the train between the Hope Valley stations.

If you’d like to find out more you can come along to our next  Art Trail by Rail meetup. Check out our events page for details or email Emily for more information, EmilyGait@hopevalleyclimateaction.org.uk 

Take part as an Artist

We welcome applications from artists and makers working across a wide range of disciplines and experience levels.

Key things to note:

  • The event takes place over two days, 26 – 27 September 10:00 – 17:00
  • The project focuses on promoting sustainable travel, with the train line acting as the main route through the festival.
  • Because of this, the core trail is centred around studios and venues that are accessible from stations between and including, Grindleford and Edale.
  • Artists who are based further from the line, or who do not have their own studio space, may also be placed within shared community venues in villages along the route. Currently we have spaces at Hathersage Memorial Hall and the Hope Valley Garden Centre so please state if you need a venue on the application form and we will be in touch.

We are also open to extending the trail into villages beyond the railway line where there is a strong cluster of participating artists and if it is accessible by public transport. This helps make the journey worthwhile for visitors while keeping the trail connected and manageable overall.

How to apply

Applications are made via an online form which will be open until midnight on 30 June 2026. 

By taking part in Art Trail by Rail, artists can showcase their work to visitors throughout the festival and benefit from early promotion through the HVCA website, newsletter, social media channels, local press and the official Art Trail leaflet.

A participation fee of £20 per day (£40 for the full weekend) helps support the organisation and promotion of the event.

Once all applications have been received we will be in touch with you to confirm your place and arrange payment. 

Please read the Artist Participation Terms and Conditions before completing your registration. 

Access the form here: Registration Form 2026

Please note that registering interest does not automatically guarantee a place on the trail. As part of the curation process, we may need to balance venues, disciplines, locations, and the overall visitor experience, including placing some artists within shared venues. We are particularly keen to support artists with a connection to the local area and communities along the route.

If you have any questions regarding the application process or need some support please contact EmilyGait@hopevalleyclimateaction.org.uk 

Take part as a local business

Are you a local business and interested in being involved in this event? Whether you’d like to decorate your window, host an artist, exhibit some work or provide refreshments there are lots of opportunities to get involved.

For a small donation,  businesses can also be included in the Art Trail by Rail booklet which will be available in print on the day and downloaded from the website. 

Please get in touch if you would like to find out more info@hopevalleyclimateaction.org.uk.

Take a look at last year’s Art Trail by Rail:
Event Summary and Highlights
Activities and Workshops Blog
Introducing the Artists