11Arches, the charity behind outdoor theatrical spectacular Kynren – an Epic Tale of England, in Bishop Auckland, Durham, UK, has unveiled the first phase of its brand new theme park.

Called 11Arches Park, the attraction is set in the grounds of the Kynren show, next to the River Wear and overlooked by Auckland Castle.

The new park was initially scheduled to open in 2020, but plans were put back due to the pandemic.

Speaking exclusively to Attractions Management, Anne-Isabelle Daulon, CEO and co-founder of 11Arches, said: "We describe it as a 'ride-free theme park' with plenty of immersive experiences.

"In short, it's an entirely new visitor experience to complement our award-winning evening show, Kynren, with both attractions presented with the theme of travelling through time and watching legends come to life.

"It includes the same elements that make Kynren so epic – the amazing cast, the brilliant stunt-riders, as well as all the immersive experiences and special effects."

Offering epic journeys, immersive live shows and attractions, the park will allow visitors to step back in time and explore a Viking village and walk through The Maze of Fame, the Kids’ Viking Lair and Dancing Waters show.

Family-focused activities, such as Animal Croft, allow visitors to meet the stars of the Kynren shows – the horses, chicken, sheep and goats – up close.

Visitors then take their seats at the end of the day for the crowning glory, the latest Kynren show ‘Fina and The Golden Cape’, which is set on the panoramic outdoor stage.

This year, the new 11Arches Park will be open to visitors every Saturday between 7 August and 11 September 2021, before opening fully in 2022. Tickets are available for Kynren and 11Arches Park alongside a joint same-day ticket.

Kynren was launched in 2016 and created with famed French live-action innovators, Puy du Fou, which acted as artistic partner in the first season.

The UK show has grown independently since, adding and developing the theatrical experience and its visitor offering each year.

The opening of 11Arches Park is part of a strategy of establishing the 7.5-acre/45 hectare site as a visitor attraction which is open every day during the UK summer.

The theatrical spectacular, Kynren – an Epic Tale of England – can host up to 8,000 people in a purpose-built, panoramic outdoor stage.

The show centres around a 3,462sq m man-made lake and castle backdrop, featuring pyrotechnics, water and light effects and a cast and crew of more than 1,000 – including permanently stabled trained horses from across Europe.