Together, the aim of the charities is to establish Bishop Auckland as an international tourist destination, attracting visitors and investment which will contribute to the betterment of the area and empower the community.

Established in 2014, 11Arches began operating on the 2 July 2016 when it presented the first season of Kynren: An Epic Tale of England, a sold out, open-air summer spectacular templated from the award-winning Cinéscénie produced by Puy du Fou in France.

In 2022 11Arches decided not to open the Park and to allow for more to be added before reopening as a day attraction In February 2024, Anna Warnecke, previously Director of Cavalry, became the new 11Arches CEO with Anne-Isabelle Daulon leaving the company.

Kynren: An Epic Tale of England is narrated by Arthur, a fictional ten-year-old boy who travels back in time to witness pivotal moments in the history of the British Isles.

The opening scene echoes an event that really did take place in the 1880s, when a young cleric’s exuberant kick ultimately led to the Bishop banishing football in the Castle grounds.

Audience members observed as a young woman named Fina fight to defend her village, with pyrotechnics, horse stunts and advanced combat routines filling the show on the 7.5 acre stage, also used for Kynren.

The Kynren website describes Fina and The Golden Cape as having “jousting, trick-riding, vaulting and chariot-racing”, which are performed by highly trained stunt riders.