Kynren - An Epic Tale of England will return to its Bishop Auckland stage in County Durham this year for what promises to be another spectacular season.
Running every Saturday evening from 29th July until 9th September, the 90-minute show will be performed by a 1,000-strong cast and crew complete with daring stunts, incredible horsemanship and amazing special effects.
It takes audiences on an adventure through 2,000 years of history with highlights including Boudicca’s courageous but doomed uprising against the Romans, a future King Arthur’s magical encounter with the Lady of the Lake and the spectacle Queen Elizabeth I’s royal barge as she invites Shakespeare to introduce some of his most famous characters.
Since its opening performance in 2016, Kynren has attracted more than 350,000 visitors to Bishop Auckland. Jonathan Ruffer, the philanthropist who funded the show having been inspired by the Puy du Fou in France, has established two charities as a result.
11Arches and The Auckland Project have overseen the commitment of almost £200m into the town to create a major visitor destination which aims to attract up to 750,000 visitors each year by 2028.
Once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham, the historic town of Bishop Auckland has a rich and surprising history spanning over 2,000.
At the heart of the town is Auckland Castle, one of the best-preserved bishop’s palaces in the whole of Europe, home to a collection of paintings by Spanish artist Francisco de Zurbarán. The Spanish theme continues in the nearby Spanish Gallery, the UK’s first gallery dedicated to the art, history and culture of Spain.
Groups can explore the town’s more recent history in the Mining Art Gallery before enjoying a breath of fresh air in Auckland Castle’s 17th century Walled Garden and historic Deer Park.
The Auckland Project has plans for the future, with new gardens under development and the Faith Museum due to open this autumn becoming England’s first museum dedicated to the history of faith in Britain.
For more information visit www.11arches.com/consumer-groups or to book email groups@11arches.com
We hear from Ian Bean, an engager at Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, about how his role has changed over nearly 40 years of working at the heritage venue.
From how many props used in one performance to the amount of pyrotechnic effects that bring the epic tale of England to life, these facts are sure to wow your group members.
Groups visiting Auckland Castle are set to be dazzled with what’s said to be the longest light tunnel in the country and the largest Christmas tree in the north.
There won’t be as many trains on the tracks, but organisers of the Group Leisure & Travel Awards have moved to reassure guests, finalists and partners that the ceremony is all set for 4th October in Milton Keynes, with convenient and free parking options.
