More than 60% of visitors come from outside the North East, highlighting Kynren’s role as a major driver of regional tourism.

The Kynren narrative is still evolving, with its ongoing impact enriching County Durham and transforming Bishop Auckland’s fortunes.

Volunteers drive Kynren in every role—from props and pyrotechnics to animal care and on-stage performances—underlining the project’s reliance on a broad, dedicated volunteer base.

Kynren, an outdoor theatre presenting 2,000 years of English history, has drawn more than 430,000 visitors over its first decade and generated £65.5 million for the regional economy, despite hosting only about 10 events per year.

Looking ahead, Kynren plans to launch a new theme park, Kynren: The Storied Lands, next year as part of ongoing expansion.

The show features a seven-and-a-half-acre stage with a 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew, delivering combat, stunts, horsemanship, pyrotechnics and immersive special effects.

Audiences have rebounded post-pandemic, with a 33% rise in 2025 and a further 12% increase in 2025, bringing evening attendance in line with Kynren’s 2016 debut season.

Kynren in Bishop Auckland earned the Echo’s Visitor Economy Award, recognizing its significant contribution to regional tourism and the economy.