Kynren has once again been recognised as one of the North East’s standout visitor experiences, taking home two major awards at this year’s North East England Tourism Awards, hosted by Destination North East England, marking a remarkable second consecutive year of success.
The spectacular live outdoor production, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, was awarded Tourism Event and Festival of the Year following a public vote, alongside Volunteer Group of the Year for its extraordinary team of volunteers known as the Archers.
The awards, held at Newcastle’s Civic Centre and attended by more than 450 industry leaders, celebrate excellence across the region’s visitor economy with winners selected following a rigorous judging process including expert assessment and mystery visits.
To achieve this double win once is notable. To do so two years in a row is exceptional.
At the heart of that success is Kynren’s unique model powered by 1,000 volunteers who bring the show to life on stage each summer.
Adding to the celebrations, Jaden Dixon, a long-time member of the Kynren team, first as a volunteer and now as a full-time employee, was recognised with a Silver Rising Star Award, highlighting emerging talent within the organisation and the strength of its future.
Anna Warnecke, CEO of Kynren, said: “This recognition means a great deal to everyone involved in Kynren.
“To win these awards once is special, to do so two years running is a real testament to the dedication, passion and professionalism of our entire team.
“Our volunteers, the Archers, are the heart of everything we do. Their commitment, energy and pride in what they create together is what makes Kynren so unique, and these awards belong to them.
“I’m also incredibly proud to see Jaden recognised as a Rising Star. Supporting and developing young talent is an important part of our future, and it’s wonderful to see that acknowledged.
“As we look ahead to this summer, there is a real sense of momentum building. With the launch of our new daytime experience, Kynren – The Storied Lands, alongside the return of Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, this is an exciting moment for us and for the North East as a visitor destination,” she added.
The annual awards, now in their 24th year and sponsored by LNER, celebrate the very best places to visit, stay and experience across the region.
John Marshall, Chair of Destination North East England, said the quality of this year’s finalists reflected a landmark year for the region, with tourism continuing to play a vital role in showcasing the North East on a national and international stage.
Kynren’s continued success highlights not only the scale and ambition of the production, but also its growing importance as a cultural and tourism asset for County Durham and the wider region.