Rooted in Matlock’s extraordinary wartime history – from the School of Military Intelligence to the ‘Matlock Secret Army’ – LEVEL Centre’s contribution to Our Freedom: Then and Now invited local people, learning‑disabled communities, families and visitors to explore the idea of ‘secret freedoms’ through celebration, creativity and shared discovery.

SMEDfest

The programme began with SMEDfest, a vibrant, free community festival held in the shadow of the historic Smedley’s Hydro building. Open to all ages, the day brought together artists, musicians, indie businesses, artisans and local residents for a celebration of creativity, history and community spirit.

Visitors could enjoy:

• live music throughout the day
• creative sessions with RICE, Bella Figura, and storytellers from Adverse Camber
• hands‑on activities inspired by LEVEL’s Secret Freedoms project
• opportunities to learn about Matlock’s hidden WWII history

As part of the wider project, LEVEL also explored the often‑untold stories of disabled and learning‑disabled people during and after WWII, and how many freedoms for these communities remain ‘secret’ or constrained even today. SMEDfest, hosted by dedicated local volunteers, set the tone for a programme rooted in creativity, inclusion and local pride.

Secret Freedoms: Ride the Rails

The celebrations continued with Secret Freedoms: Ride the Rails, a one‑day event that transformed the historic Peak Rail Dales line into a moving exhibition space. Passengers boarding the Secret Freedoms Express could travel up and down the line while encountering a special display of artwork created by:

• RICE
• Bella Figura
• LEVEL Centre participants
• local groups and community contributors

The exhibition explored Matlock’s ‘secret history’ and stories of freedom connected to VE Day. Trains departed from Rowsley South Station, and this was the first time the public could see the Secret Freedoms artwork installed on a working heritage railway – a playful, imaginative way to connect past and present.

Secret Freedoms Celebration Day

The programme culminated in LEVEL’s Secret Freedoms Celebration Day, a full day of activities spread across LEVEL Centre, the White Peak Loop, Peak Rail and Darley Dale Station. It was a joyful, multi‑site celebration that invited visitors to explore freedom through movement, making, storytelling and travel.

At LEVEL Centre, visitors could:

• Crack the Code with Phil – become a secret agent and create a hidden message
• Design a ‘message of freedom’ postcard with Helen
• Experience the Secret Freedoms Dance and explore movement with Danni and Georgie
• Enjoy music and storytelling with Adverse Camber
• Join a storytelling walk from LEVEL’s garden down the White Peak Loop to catch the train at Rowsley South

On Peak Rail & at Darley Dale Station

Thanks to Peak Rail, LEVEL had their very own steam train for the day. On board, visitors could view the community artwork created for the project, displayed inside a dedicated carriage. At Darley Dale Station, visitors could take part in:

• Spray painting with Eduard
• Freedom butterfly making with Hannah
• Textile art with Bella Figura

A Celebration of Hidden Histories and Everyday Freedoms

Across SMEDfest, Ride the Rails and the Celebration Day, LEVEL Centre created a joyful, inclusive and deeply local exploration of freedom – from the secret histories of wartime Matlock to the personal freedoms people hold today. Through dance, storytelling, visual art, heritage railways and hands‑on making, the programme brought together communities of all ages and abilities to celebrate creativity, connection and the stories that shape us.