A former child volunteer who rose through the ranks to become Visitor Operations Manager at one of the North East’s leading attractions has been shortlisted for the prestigious Rising Star Award at the 2026 Destination North East England Tourism Awards.
Jaden Dixon first joined Kynren – An Epic Tale of England in 2016 at the age of nine, arriving with his mam for a casting call.
“I started in the children’s team and worked my way through the teenage cast and into the adult cast,” he said.
“I even had the chance to play Young Arthur, which was incredible. Now I help coach our young Arthurs, passing down what I learned.”
What began as a family pastime soon became a vocation. His siblings and Nanna also joined the volunteer community, and Jaden’s commitment deepened.
“I did work experience with the casting department and got hooked,” he said.
“From there I went into the food court, became a supervisor, then a manager and this year I stepped into the full-time, salaried role of Visitor Operations Manager.”
Jaden cites confidence, teamwork and community as the biggest gifts Kynren has given him.
“I feel like a different person. Whether it’s handling a tricky customer or an operational challenge, I now know I can do it.
“And nothing beats waving off guests at the end of a show and seeing the smile you helped create.”
Alongside Kynren, Jaden recently qualified as a pharmacy technician with the NHS, coaches gymnastics to hundreds of young people in Newton Aycliffe, and has just begun serving as a school governor.
“Jaden embodies everything the Kynren community stands for; opportunity, growth and the power of volunteering to transform lives,” said Kynren CEO Anna Warnecke.
“His journey from nine-year-old performer to operations leader is extraordinary, and a shining example of how Kynren offers a roadmap for local people to develop skills, confidence and whole new careers,” she added.
Looking ahead to open calls for 2026, Jaden has simple advice for anyone considering joining: “Just do it. Kynren changed my life and even 10 years on, I still love it as much as ever.”