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- 18th Jun 2025
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A decade of Kynren – celebrating 10 show-stopping years and what’s new for 2025
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Over the past 10 years, Kynren has been bringing magic to County Durham since it first burst onto the scene in 2016.
A dazzling outdoor spectacular performed by a 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew, Kynren tells the story of 2,000 years of British history in 90 spellbinding minutes -complete with stunts, fire, horses, Roman battles, Viking raids, and even an adorable parade of geese (High Life North’s faves)
But as the UK’s most unique and largest live-action show marks its tenth anniversary season this summer, we caught up with CEO Anna Warnecke, who says emotions are running high at Kynren 2025.
“Reaching ten years… honestly, we’re very emotional. In those early days, it felt like an impossible mountain to climb. We weren’t even sure we’d find enough volunteers, and now we’re the largest volunteer-led attraction in one location in the UK. It’s just amazing to see how everyone’s passion and commitment have brought this dream to life.”
- Anna Warnecke, CEO of Kynren
A DECADE OF EVOLUTION
Looking back at that first season of Kynren, Anna admits it was a whirlwind.
“Everything was new and a bit chaotic,” she laughs. “It was more about surviving than thriving. Now, everything runs professionally. We’ve got a 95% retention rate for our volunteers, many of whom have been with us from day one. The whole thing feels like a well-oiled machine now, but the heart has never changed.”
The show itself continues to evolve. But there’s a big addition to Kynren 2025 – a brand-new Jubilee scene, complete with fresh music, new choreography and cutting-edge projections. Plus, the Viking Village pre-show experience, which returns this year with hands-on encounters with 9th-century life: think blacksmiths, warriors and wool-spinners.
“The new scene is more complex than anything we’ve done before,” Anna shares. “But that’s what keeps everyone excited and engaged. Our cast loves a challenge.”
MORE THAN A SHOW – IT’S A MOVEMENT
It’s easy to be dazzled by the pyrotechnics, horses and history, but Anna is clear that Kynren is about much more than entertainment. Operated by the charity 11Arches, Kynren is rooted in community, conservation and education.
“We don’t just create a show,” Anna explains. “We create connection. Generations working together, teenagers learning from retirees — people who’ve lived in the same village but never spoken are now best friends. It’s a very different bond when you achieve something world-class together.”
This sense of community spirit has won Kynren national recognition, including the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2018 — the highest award a UK charity can receive. And the accolades have already been coming this year, winning Event of the Year and Volunteer of the Year (Gold) at the North East Tourism Awards 2025 and receiving the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award every year since 2018.
“Our volunteers are the soul of Kynren,” Anna says. “We’re celebrating them this year with a special anniversary picnic and award ceremony. Honestly, they deserve it all.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR KYNREN?
As if a decade-spanning epic wasn’t enough, Anna and the team are preparing for even more excitement.
Next summer marks the launch of The Lost Feather, a new show focused on humanity’s age-old dream of flight. With breathtaking falconry, stunts and immersive storytelling, it promises to be unlike anything else in the UK.
“We’ve just received planning approval,” Anna says. “It’s about Leonardo da Vinci, Shakespeare’s language of falconry and conservation — all told in a visually stunning way.”
But that’s not all. Kynren has also acquired Flambards’ Victorian Village in Cornwall, which they’re currently in the process of reassembling on-site to become a fully immersive, interactive experience – and we’re so excited.
“Imagine stepping into Victorian life, choosing your own story to follow — it’s going to be so unique,” Anna reveals. “We’re calling it a ‘living story world’ — completely different from anything in a traditional theme park.”
A HISTORICAL EVENT LIKE NO OTHER
When asked what Kynren means to her personally, Anna pauses.
“It’s more than a job. It’s joy. It’s a community. Its purpose. And yes, it’s really good fun.” she says. “Standing at the edge of the stage, hearing that standing ovation — it’s something you can’t explain. It gives you goosebumps.”
With the 2025 season running from 19th July to 13th September, and tickets starting from just £30, there’s never been a better time to experience the magic.
“Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, you’ll never see the same show twice. Anna says. “Because Kynren never stands still. And after 10 years, we’re just getting started.”
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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