- Play Hard
- 16th Jul 2025
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- 0 minute
Why Kynren should be top of your summer to-do list
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We’ve been working with Kynren for years, and whilst many of the team have been, I’ve never actually seen it for myself – until last weekend.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of this epic outdoor show in Bishop Auckland, and in celebration, we were invited along to see what was in store this summer season.
With nothing else like it in the UK, I didn’t know what to expect, but from the second the show started I was on the edge of my seat for the full 90-minutes, as was the rest of the audience.
I’m not being overly effusive here. This show is special.
What is Kynren?
If you’ve never been, Kynren is a 90-minute live-action show that takes you on a spectacular journey through 2,000 years of British history, told through the eyes of young Arthur, a boy on a quest to discover the story of us.
It’s hard to describe just how ambitious this production is. There are battles with Vikings, live-action jousting, explosions, stunts, horsemanship, geese, and even a full-scale replica of the Locomotion No. 1 steaming across the stage. Every scene is choreographed down to the second, and every sound, firework and gallop is set against an evocative, original soundtrack created by Nathan Stornetta.
What’s more incredible is that the cast and crew is made up of over 1,000 local volunteers (known as Archers) – all from the North East.
It’s no surprise Kynren has just won Best Event for Groups at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards for the second time – beating the likes of Royal Ascot and Blackpool Illuminations.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Travel and parking
To park at Kynren, you must purchase a parking pass in advance. There are a range of car parks and pricing options so check the website for details.
There’s also a shuttle bus that runs from Bishop Auckland Market Place which is £3.00 for a return journey – this must also be booked in advance.
Or there’s plentiful parking in the town centre which is a 10-15 minute walk from the site.
Come early for the Viking Village
To make the most of the evening, get there early and head to the new Viking Village pre-show experience. It’s like stepping into another time – complete with crackling fires, sword-wielding warriors, traditional craft demonstrations and friendly villagers tending animals.
It’s the perfect interactive warm-up before the main event.
Food and drink
There are plenty of food and drink kiosks around the site, offering hot and cold drinks, alcoholic drinks, cakes and snacks.
The Kynren Food Court offers hearty options like curry, hot dogs, soups and burgers, with a large seating area to enjoy your meal before the show starts.
Or if you want to go all out, you can book pre-show dining in the Arches Hall. Enjoy a drink before a three-course meal and a glass of wine for £59.95 per person.
Settle in for the show
The show begins at 9:15pm, just as dusk sets in. Start times may vary throughout the season depending on sunset, with later-season shows starting earlier—around 7:45 to 8pm.
The atmosphere really is electric in the 8,000-seat outdoor theatre, and as the show starts, you’re quickly immersed in 2,000 years of history through dramatic storytelling and incredible visuals.
There are 29 dramatic scenes, as the audience is taken on a journey through history – from Queen Boudicca leading her people against Roman invaders, to Viking battles, Shakespeare, the fall of King Charles I, Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and as we get closer to present day, a full size Locomotion steam train roars across the stage.
As the light starts to fade, the pyrotechnics really come to life – expect fire, blazing arrows, projections and incredible fireworks.
HLN top tip: The show goes on come rain or shine. Ponchos and blankets are available to buy, but we recommend wearing layers and bringing your own blanket if you feel the cold.
How to book
Kynren runs every Saturday night from 19th July to 13th September 2025.
Tickets start from £30 for adults and £20 for under-18s. Kids under three go free when seated on an adult’s knee, and there are discounts for group bookings.
Premium seating options are also available if you want the best view of the action.
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