Kynren's Viking Village
Viking shepherd. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography.
Following on from our review of Kynren a few days ago - that amazing re-enactment of 2,000 years of England’s history, myths and legends, here’s a closer look at the 9th century Viking village as its inhabitants prepare for a raid.
Kynren is located in Bishop Auckland, County Durham and this 1,000-strong cast and crew perform this spectacular 90-minute award-winning show on a seven-and-a-half-acre stage before an 8,000-seat amphitheatre known as the Tribune.
Sheep herder, Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photographer.
The show begins at sunset, but the Viking Village opens around three hours before so that guests have time to immerse themselves in the past. The Kynren cast, and crew comprise of 1,000 men, women and children – all volunteers, aged from 5 to 85 who have all undergone specialist training by industry professionals in the skills and choreography needed for this world class show.
Viking carpenter making utensils and tools. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography.
As you wander through the Viking village you’ll come across the cookhouse, cottages and a working blacksmith’s forge – and the Viking families living and working there. There’s goat herders, craftsfolk, wood carvers, farmers along with a variety of animals including horses and donkeys, geese and even a clutch of rare Icelandic chickens which were originally bred by Vikings and can trace their origins back to the 9th century, all being well looked after by Kynren’s team of animal carers – in authentic Viking attire of course.
Viking blacksmiths hard at work. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography.
Anna Warnecke, Kynren CEO had this to say: "The Viking Village provides a really immersive way for audiences to travel back in time and prepare themselves for the adventure to come. There will be the chance to talk and interact with the villagers as they go about their daily lives, visit the cookhouse, see them tend to the animals, prepare meals and watch the blacksmith at work in his forge producing real chainmail.”
Anna added, “The Vikings are a popular aspect of the show, featuring incredible scenes such as a Viking longship burial on the water with live Vikings aboard, and the gripping kidnapping of a fisherwoman, all enhanced by dramatic fiery effects and explosions.”
Viking Warrior waiting to defend his village. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography.
Visitors to Kynren can also meander through the Georgian shop selling a variety of gifts and collectables from souvenir books, children's costumes and Kynren branded clothing, to artwork, toys and games. There is also a bar and food village selling a selection of dishes, most of which comes from, and is served by, local suppliers.
Viking villager playing the flute. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography.
Fascinating Facts about Kynren
Thousands of props have been made for the show including; hundreds of flags and banners, over 200 shields, 457 weapons and 174 instruments.
130 Roman helmets and 50 Viking helmets have been made from scratch.
8,000 trees were planted on site in 2019. There are over 27 varieties of heritage plants which not only enhance the visitor experience but also create more habitats for wildlife.
There are 39 magnificent performance horses which are all grey to stand out at night.
Queen Victoria’s carriage is over 17 meters in length when all six horses are harnessed to it.
More than 4,000 costumes totaling over 15 miles of fabric used.
9.5 meters of fabric and 19.7 meters of gold trim was used for William the Conqueror’s coronation robes – including a 9m cape.
90,000 gallons of water fill the lake which will erupt with a Viking Longship along with many other special effects and stunts.
Viking woman growing crops. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photographer.
Kynren is produced by 11Arches, a registered charity whose objective is to produce a world class historical show, underpinned by a foundation of an innovative and engaging arts, education and community development programme.
Book Your Tickets: Kynren takes place every Saturday evening from now until 14 September 2024, next year’s dates are on their website.
For more information and to book tickets: https://www.11arches.com/kynren
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