The penultimate award of the night was the Visitor Economy Award, and this year it was awarded to Kynren.

The spectacular outdoor theatre event, in Bishop Auckland, tells the story of 2,000 years of English history and draws thousands of crowds each summer.

The 1,000-strong volunteer cast and crew perform on a seven-and-a-half-acre outdoor stage featuring combat, stunts, horsemanship, stunning pyrotechnics and amazing special effects.

Their nomination read: “Since the Covid-19 pandemic, audiences have grown strongly – up 33% in 2025, followed by a further 12% increase in 2025.

“Average evening attendances are now on par with Kynren’s landmark first season in 2016, demonstrating the show’s enduring appeal and bounce-back.

“More than 60% of visitors now travel from outside the North Eas

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