ebache573
1 Reviews
Amazing Experience
5.0/ 5
Please go to this show ! It is totally amazing …we didn’t know what to expect but we were blown away with the acting , the scenery , the complete experience Can’t believe it’s not known about nationwide
Kynren
Taken at Kynren’s biggest firework display in November 2021 by Aiden Dawson
A massive outdoor attraction and performance in the North East about historic events that took place in England, Kynren was named after the Anglo Saxon word “Cynren” which means “generation”, “kin” and/or “family”. The attraction – based in Bishop Auckland – has its main show depict Arthur’s epic discovery of his own roots.
Tis outdoor attraction is essentially an open-air theatre situated next to the viaduct at the bottom of the escarpment where Auckland Castle can be seen on top. In the show, you will be taken through as many as 29 scenes. These feature a variety of stories celebrating the history of Great Britain.
The performance takes place in Bishop Auckland every summer. It is run entirely by volunteers of all ages from as young as 5+. The show features live animals in many of the enacted scenes, along with live action, stunts, choreographed battle scenes, and pyrotechnics. As well as the weekly evening open-air show, it offers other day-time attractions as well, including the Viking Village.
The Outdoor Performance
Kynren is an epic tale going through the generations and historic milestones of Great Britain, but it is more than just a history lesson. Many scenes depicted in the 2-hour long show feature live action, animated scenes, stunts, lots of sound effects and fireworks, and even include livestock in some scenes.
You will be sitting in an open-air theatre, in the stands (the Tribune) that watch over the entire arena. On the arena you will witness battle scenes, action, acting, and horsemanship. There will be music, dancing, fighting, singing and dramatic interacting performed entirely by volunteers.
Other events they run include a fireworks display every year, which also boasts fire effects.
Please visit their site here for more information and to book tickets.
The Viking Village
In 2019, Kynren introduced new scenes to the show depicting the Vikings. This bought around the idea of establishing an authentic Viking village just next to the main Tribune. The village features everything Viking, from a woodworker’s cottage to the cookhouse, vegetable patch and the blacksmith’s forge where you can watch the blacksmiths in action, banging hot metal to make real chain mail.
Hospitality
The venue is of course, a massive attraction and all visitors need feeding. There are food vans along the back of the Tribune. They are open for business serving all kinds of street food prior to the shows. In 2019, they opened a bar serving beer, wine, and spirits. It also provides a wide range of soft drinks, providing a wide range of food and drink.
Another option is the Arches Hall Dining experience, a small terrace overlooking the lakeside on the venue grounds. There will be pre-dinner drinks included as part of the package, along with a three-course meal afterwards.
You can view more about this and how to book it on their website here.
Volunteering
All the actors have volunteered to be part of this outdoor performance in the North East. The organisation is very open-minded and accepts people of all needs and abilities as volunteers. You can be part of the show yourself if you so wish.
Volunteering at Kynren could benefit people’s confidence, social skills and general wellbeing. It could go on one’s CV too, particularly if you’re looking to start a career in acting and theatre. You can apply on their site here.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessibility is everywhere on site; there are big, wide paths to get to and around the different parts of the grounds, including the Tribune and bar. The Tribune seating includes disabled seats at the front. Additionally, the site provides wheelchairs as well.
Toilet facilities are all around the grounds, including portable toilet cabins on the visitor car park and around the site. The main toilets are at the Tribune, and there are disabled toilets there too.
Food and drink is provided on site, sold at various food vans and stands at the Tribune area. The food options are diverse and include vegan-friendly and gluten-free food. Both alcoholic drink and soft drinks are served at the bar (which is open before the show starts).
The venue includes loads of open space. If anywhere gets crowded, there is plenty of space for people to wander around if they get uncomfortable. At the end of the show, there is crowd-control in place. This ushers everyone out as they leave at once, but people can hang behind if they don’t want to be in the crowds.
The experience team is part of the many volunteers working there. There will always be a member of staff on post before, during and after the show to help and provide guidance.
Transportation
There is a shuttle bus service that picks people up from the car park at the top of the hill. It brings them down into the ground’s main car park, which is just a short walk from the Tribune and other attractions.
Public transport available includes the park and ride. There is also a bus service running from Durham, Darlington and other surrounding towns/cities to Bishop Auckland. There is a train from Darlington available. It takes you to the train station that’s a short walk from the nearest Park and Ride location. Moreover, the grounds are within walking distance from the visitor’s car park at the top of the hill.
You can find out more about their accessibility on their website here.
For similar venues, check out some of our other listings on our site here.
Can you bring your own food to have a picnic?
You can, however food and drink is not allowed on the tribune unless bought from one of the food vans or bar at the tribune prior to the show. There are plenty of picnic benches around the grounds where the car park is, where you can sit and have a picnic before the show as well.
Are dogs allowed at Kynren?
Dogs are not allowed at the tribune or other attractions on the site unfortunately. You can bring your dog around the car park area and surrounding fields and there is a bridal footpath running alongside the grounds where you can take your dog for walks.
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