News

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England is set to make a spectacular return to its Bishop Auckland outdoor stage in County Durham for 2024.

Following a hugely successful summer season which brought glowing reviews from broadcasters, journalists and thousands of visitors, tickets are already on sale for next year’s multi-award-winning live action show. 

TV celebrity Robson Green, who watched a performance as part of his BBC2 series Weekend Escapes, said: “It’s an event I shall never forget. Kynren is a comfort blanket for the soul.”

The show has received the Traveller’s Choice Award for 2023 from TripAdvisor, after the website received dozens of positive reviews about the mesmerising summer performances.

One family left a review describing it as a “complete feast for the eyes”, with a couple adding: “Without question this is the most magnificent live show/pageant that we have ever seen. The performance of the volunteers was utterly professional, the lighting, scenery superb. Words cannot express how much we enjoyed this stupendous event.”

Another family added: “We went to see the final show on 9 September and it was absolutely stunning. The 90 minutes just fly by as there is so much to see. The whole experience from arriving on site to leaving was superb and so well organised. It really is just beautiful to watch - fantastic - five stars!!”

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Auckland Castle, Kynren is a dramatic re-telling of 2,000 years of English history. Audiences embark on a spellbinding voyage through history, myth and legend, as seen through the eyes of Arthur, the son of a mining family.

Amy Smith, of The Northern Echo, said: “Kynren was certainly not a show to be missed. It was my first time visiting and it did not disappoint. I left frantically searching for how I could volunteer to be a part of the performance next year!”

Ticket sales increased by 35 per cent in 2023 compared to last year, thanks to a combination of loyal audiences in the North East and a return from tourists outside the region. An impressive 42% per cent of people who watched the show came from outside the region, compared to 33% per cent last year.

The show was ranked Number 2 on The Times’ list of best days out with the kids, and has been nominated for the Visitor Attraction Awards category at this year’s County Durham Together Awards 2023, in partnership with Durham County Council.

Kynren’s positive impact on the local economy is undeniable, creating jobs and boosting tourist numbers to County Durham and the wider region.  There has also been an increased number of overseas visitors enjoying the area’s cultural and historical keynotes.

Kynren will have an additional date in 2024, based on the popularity and success of this year’s shows. There will be a total of eight performances from Saturday, July 27 until Saturday, September 14.

Discounted tickets are already available as a part of an Early Bird deal which offers 25 per cent off all seating categories (except VIP tickets which are 15 per cent off). The offers are valid until October 31.

Tickets include a seat in the tribune to watch the 90-minute spectacular show which starts in daylight and ends in starlight, as well as pre-show access to 11Arches grounds where you can enjoy food and drink from a range of outlets.

Unique in the UK, Kynren features combat, daring stunts, horsemanship, stunning pyrotechnics and amazing special effects set to a thrilling original soundtrack by award-winning composer Nathan Stornetta.