The spirit of Kynren: Celebrating 10 years, £65.5 million boost to the North East and a bold vision for the future

14th July 2025

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England is celebrating a decade of unforgettable storytelling, community spirit and regional impact with the release of a powerful new report outlining the difference it has made across the North East and what’s still to come.

Since launching in Bishop Auckland, Kynren has welcomed over 400,000 visitors and added £65.5 million to the local economy. Ahead of the show’s milestone season which commences on Saturday 19^th July, a 30-page social and economic impact report has confirmed what those involved have long believed – Kynren is delivering lasting benefits for people, place and prosperity.

Anna Warnecke, CEO of Kynren, said: “We have always known that Kynren was changing lives – not just through the show, but through everything it represents: community, skills, opportunity, and pride. This report confirms the scale of the impact. It’s a moment of reflection and celebration and we’re only just getting started. The next decade is set to be even more ambitious.”

Some key findings from the report include:

• £65.5 million contribution to the North East economy since 2016
• 430,000+ visitors welcomed to Kynren
• 95% of last year’s volunteers are returning in 2025
• 146 jobs created through Kynren – An Epic Tale of England

Kynren’s volunteer programme – one of the largest of its kind in the UK – is a cornerstone of its success, engaging people from all walks of life and all generations. The show has more than 1,000 active volunteers returning year after year, contributing over 175,000 hours annually. The report highlights how being an “Archer” (Kynren’s affectionate term for its volunteers) significantly boosts wellbeing, confidence and social connection.

A recent survey of volunteers revealed:

• 95% learned valuable new skills
• 94% felt happier and more confident
• 81% felt less isolated
• 80% reported better physical health

One volunteer shared: “I had lost my confidence but since joining Kynren I feel like I can breathe again. I feel accepted for being me in Kynren and it’s such a great place to be.”

Kynren’s volunteering programmes are intergenerational, supporting individuals of all ages in building confidence, friendships, and community pride. More than 17% of volunteers have even found new or better jobs as a direct result of their experience.

The Young Archers programme and partnerships with local colleges help young people gain practical skills and work experience, paving pathways to employment and personal development.

The report also looks ahead to Kynren’s next chapter: the creation of Kynren – The Storied Lands, the UK’s first historical theme park, opening in summer 2026. This ambitious expansion will transform the visitor experience, creating an exciting new daytime attraction with five monumental shows and immersive environments set across a beautifully landscaped 150-acre site that will build on Kynren’s success.

Key projections include:

• 3.3 million new visitors over the next five years
• £196.5 million added to the regional economy by 2030 as a result of the capital development of the new theme park, additional spending by Kynren visitors off site and operational spending by Kynren on goods and services in the North East
• 814 new jobs created in the North East economy which includes jobs created at the new attraction (345) as well as off-site expenditure by visitors (234), local investment on goods and services (54) and the impact of capital investment (181)

Jonathan Ruffer, founder of Kynren the charity which is focused on education, conservation, and community development, said: “Kynren has already proved it can be a catalyst for change. With The Storied Lands development, we’re investing in something truly world-class – a destination that will bring global attention, economic growth and unforgettable experiences to the North East.”

This next chapter will bring to life even more stories from the region’s rich history, continuing to boost the local economy, create jobs, and deliver unforgettable experiences for visitors.

The report also highlights Kynren’s commitment to the environment. Developed on a former disused golf course, the site now includes woodland, hedgerows and wildlife corridors supporting native species – from birds of prey to bats and songbirds.