Kynren in Bishop Auckland has been named a European Top New Attraction at the 2026 Parksmania Awards, placing the UK’s first live action show park alongside the continent’s leading visitor attractions.
The international award was presented to Kynren Chief Executive Anna Warnecke and Chief Technical Officer Graham Emerson at the 25th annual Parksmania Awards ceremony at Movieland Park near Verona, Italy, on 9th October.
Regarded as the ‘Oscars of Amusement Parks’, the awards are organised by Italian attractions publication Parksmania and recognise parks, experiences and new attractions across Europe.
Previous recipients of European awards include Disneyland Paris, Europa Park, Parc Astérix and Puy du Fou.
Kynren – The Storied Lands opened in Bishop Auckland on 18th July, creating a new daytime attraction alongside the established Kynren – An Epic Tale of England night show.
Five uniquely immersive productions bring history, myth and legend to life. They include The Lost Feather, staged in a purpose built arena inspired by a giant bird’s nest; equestrian spectacle The Trusty Steed; the water-based Legend of the Wear; Land of the Vikings and the Victorian Imaginariums.
Anna Warnecke, Chief Executive of Kynren, said: “To receive international recognition in our very first season is a wonderful moment for everyone who has helped bring The Storied Lands to life.
“We knew when we started that we were attempting something very different. There are extraordinary theme parks across Europe, but our attractions bring the thrills and excitement of live performances directly to audiences.
“To see that recognised alongside some of the best new attractions in Europe is enormously rewarding and a real vote of confidence in what we have created here in Bishop Auckland.”
The Storied Lands builds on the success of Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, which celebrated its 100th performance during 2026.
Together they allow visitors to spend the day exploring The Storied Lands before watching the night show unfold across Kynren’s vast outdoor stage.
Parksmania is an Italian online publication specialising in theme parks and visitor attractions. Its annual awards are now in their 25th year and recognise attractions which its judging commission believes have stood out during the season.
Past winners of the award include Disneyland Paris, Parc Astérix, Futuroscope, Puy du Fou France, Puy du Fou España, Walibi Holland, Walibi Belgium and Fantasiana.