Historical theme park to 'take people back in time'

Jonny Manning
BBC News, North East and Cumbria
Kynren A map of how the new them park will look. It shows a large lake with a bridge running across. A circular building resembling a jousting area or colliseum and several medieval buildings.Kynren
Kynren – The Storied Lands will sit within the wider Kynren park and hold live action performances

Plans are being drawn up to create a historical theme park with the aim of transporting guests back in time with its performances.

Kynren - The Storied Lands will be a new daytime attraction set within the wider Kynren attraction in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

It will use live action shows to educate visitors about Britain's history and myths.

Kynren's CEO Anna Warnecke said it was working with Durham County Council's planning team on phased submissions for the park.

She said some of the plans had "already been approved and constructed" while others were under consideration or due to be submitted in the coming months.

"For the past decade, we have poured passion and expertise into delivering Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, and now we are bringing that same level of scale, innovation, and magic into this new daytime attraction," she said.

"You won't just witness history – you'll live it, feel it, and be moved by it."

Kynren An artists impression of how The Legend of the Wear show will look. An audience sits on wooden chairs facing a lake and a medieval village. A giant serpent-like tale is flicking out of the water.Kynren
The Legend of the Wear will retell the myth of the Lambton Worm through water stunts

The focus of The Storied Lands will not be rides but multiple live action shows with storytelling stunts and music.

Phase one of the park will feature five shows and immersive experiences, with themes including Neolithic Britain, Viking battles, and the gas-lit streets of Victorian England.

The Legend of the Wear performance will use water stunts to retell the Lambton Worm myth.

Councillor Amanda Hopgood said the council welcomed the development plans as a new attraction for the region.

"As Durham County establishes itself as one of the great UK visitor destinations, this extravaganza will sit at the heart of the county's offering," she said.

Kynren said millions of pounds would be invested in the project, which it hopes to open next year.

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