A Victorian village that had been part of a theme park in Cornwall has been saved after being bought by Kynren, a new destination being planned for County Durham.
The exhibit of replica shops was part of Flambards Theme Park, which had attracted thousands of visitors since the 1970s with a much-loved array of historic artefacts. The theme park closed down last year, however, and there were fears that the collection would be split up.
But the team behind Kynren – The Storied Lands, which is aiming to open at Bishop Auckland next year, has bought the exhibits to become part of its attractions.
Designed to immerse visitors in the world of late 19th century Britain in a similar way to Beamish Museum, the village features over 40 sets and scenes with authentic shopfronts and interiors, including a haberdashery, pawn brokers, apothecary, blacksmith, grocers, tobacconist and jewellers.
There is also a toy shop, a Victorian schoolroom and an inn which feature thousands of genuine artefacts from the Victorian era.
(Image: Silver Pear Communications)
Anna Warnecke, CEO of Kynren, said: “The detail and authenticity of the Flambards Victorian Village make it an incredible foundation for a truly immersive experience at The Storied Lands.
“We are not simply relocating it; we are transforming it into a vibrant, theatrical journey where visitors will feel as if they have stepped back into the heart of Victorian England. We cannot wait to unveil this spectacular experience as part of our new park.”
Kynren – The Storied Lands aims to be the UK’s first live-action historical theme park, where visitors will journey through time via performances, stunts and storytelling. The first phase of the daytime park will feature a series of large-scale theatrical productions including a Viking show, a retelling of the Lambton worm myth and a medieval battlefield spectacle.
The development is part of the long-running mission by financier Jonathan Ruffer and the Auckland Project to regenerate the economy of Bishop Auckland by attracting visitors to explore its history.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/victorian-theme-park-moves-450-31204446
