Tuesday 13 August 2019

Kynren 2019

AD - Press tickets. 

Pulling up in the farmer's field that was being used as a car park we pulled on our waterproof coats as we exited the car as the sky was grey with clouds, splodging through the field as we made our way to the shuttle bus waiting to transport us to witness the most epic tale of England. 

Kynren awaited us. 

The weather forecast was heavy rain and thunderstorms and it has been raining on and off all day, there was a chill in the air even though it was August. Despite the terrible wet and gloomy British weather thousands of people had travelled to Bishop Auckland in Durham to watch history come to life before their very eyes. Spirits were high as locals and tourists alike chatted excitedly about the show they were about to see, the traditional sweet truck and bustling food and drink stalls were doing a roaring trade as people queued for refreshments before the show. 

Kynren outdoor show in Durham


Arriving late due to diversions on the A19 we missed out on seeing the highly recommended Viking Village, only just having time to purchase some rhubarb and custard and strawberry bonbon sweets before taking our seats in the outdoor tribune. We were glad we had brung a towel to dry the seats as the whole arena was drenched from the rain as the heavens opened as we took our seats, despite the rain the whole tribune was packed as 8000 spectators of all ages waited in anticipation many like myself donning ponchos to keep dry. 

Even in the rain, the show will go on. 

the set of Kynren outdoor show

Three children raced across the set in front of us kicking a football, the show had started.

 Arthur a young local boy is sent on a quest and we travelled with him through time learning all about the history of North East England over the past 2000 years. The Romans, the Vikings, the English civil war, the first and second world wars and mining disasters were all played out before our very eyes. Narrated by actor Kevin Whatley and set to a rallying soundtrack we were transported back in time to experience this unforgettable and highly acclaimed show. The cast of 1000 volunteers including small children soldiered on and put on a spectacular show for us - even in the rain.

The queen in a horse drawn carriage kynren

Despite seeing the show last year we were gripped, wherever we looked something new was happening. Boats rose out of the lake, George Stephenson's train chugged along, horses galloped along the track, bagpipes and drums filled the air and breathtaking fireworks lit up the sky. We cheered when wars were won, we felt sadness when mines exploded but most of all we felt proud to be British as the show was peppered with triumphant British moments from the 1966 World cup victory, to William Sheaksphere quotes, Winston Churchills rallying speech and above all the sacrifices our ancestors made to enable us to live in the country we do today. 

small boy walking at Kynren

Before we knew it 90 minutes had passed, the sky was dark, the rain was still beating down as the most amazing fireworks lit up the sky above us in red, white and blue. We clapped and cheered as the cast took a bow before making our way back home feeling glad we had been to see such an incredible show that will stay with us forever. 

geese at Kynren walking on the track

Useful Info

Kynren is the UK's must-see outdoor live-action theatre show. It based in Bishop Auckland in County Durham and is ran by Eleven Arches with a cast and crew of  1,000 - most of the cast are actually volunteers. It is set in a seven and a half-acre stage and they have an outdoor tribune which seats 8,000 where you can watch the show from. The show runs during the summer months from the end of June to the middle of September on Saturday evenings. Tickets must be prebooked in advance and you also need to pre-book parking and shuttle bus transfers (you can walk from some car parks if you wish) when you book your tickets. 

kynren

The Kynren site is huge with lots of clean toilets around, they also have an onsite gift shop to buy souvenirs, programmes and ponchos for around £5 if it rains. There is a food village with different food stalls, a sweet van and bar to buy food and drink before the show as you are unable to bring your own in with you. There is also a Viking village where you can explore before the show, it is recommended you get to the show early to enjoy the whole experience and I would agree with this as we were late this year and missed out on a lot of things we enjoyed last time. 

There are bag and security checks in place before you enter Kynren and no food, drink or large bags/backpacks are allowed (check the website for full details). Kynren is suitable for the whole family and young children will enjoy it just as much as older generations. The show will go on whatever the weather as they have never cancelled a show yet. 

Next shows are on 

Saturday 17th August 2019 at 8.30pm
Saturday 24th August 2019 at 8.30pm 
Saturday 31st August 2019 at 9pm 
Saturday 7th September 2019 at 7.30pm 
Saturday 14th September 2019 at 7.30pm 

Tickets can be booked online at www.kynren.com  prices start from £25 for adults and £15 for kids (4-17) children under 3 years of age are free if they sit on a parents lap. 


Kynren 
Flatts Farm 
Bishop Auckland 
County Durham 
DL14 7SF

Disclosure I was provided with press tickets for myself and my family in exchange for this review, however, all opinions are my own. Photos are press photos I was sent as you are unable to take photos during the show. 






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18 comments

  1. This looks like a fab show. We have never seen anything like it before.

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  2. Wow! This looks amazing! I would have loved to go to something like this as a kid I think!

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    1. It is amazing, really brings history to life and is like nothing I have ever seen before

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  3. Oh wow this looks like such an amazing experience. I bet it was breathtaking!

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    1. It really was, I recommend it to everyone as it is incredible x

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  4. This looks incredible! I bet you almost felt like you had gone back in time.

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    1. We really did, it really made you think of the past x

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  5. Wow, I've never seen anything like this before. It looks amazing.

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    1. It really is amazing, everywhere you look something else is happening - great for teaching children about History too x

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  6. Oh my goodness. I would love to see this, it looks absolutely incredible, what an amazing thing to see.

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    1. It really is, people travel from all over the world to see it x

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  7. This looks like such an amazing experience. Your photography is stunning too!

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    1. They are not my photos, I had to use the professional ones as you are unable to take photos during the show x

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  8. Wow I've never actually heard of this before but it sounds amazing! I can't believe I haven't seen more about it!

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    1. It really is amazing, If you ever get the chance to see it then I 100% recommend it xx

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  9. I've never heard of this event before but it looks right up our street! So amazing! Something I am definitely going to look into for next year x

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    1. You really should, it is only on from June - September but it is amazing xx

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