A huge-scale street party - served up Kynren-style - has been added to plans to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this summer and tickets, which are limited, are already up for grabs.
The newly-announced event is set to be one of the largest Jubilee street parties in the country, say organisers, with seating for up to 2,500 people and a giant outdoor dance floor. The plans were revealed by 11Arches, producer of Kynren, which - known not to do anything by halves - is out to mark the the Queen's 70-year reign in style over the June 3-4 weekend.
Having already announced a special edition of Kynren, its award-winning extravaganza which occupies a seven-and-a-half-acre outdoor stage on its Bishop Auckland site in County Durham, it now is following up with the idea of a street party extension to its second show, Fina and The Golden Cape.
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This show - featuring lots of horse action with jousting, trick-riding, vaulting and chariot-racing - made its debut last year as an added afternoon attraction for the 11Arches site. A story about revenge, ambition, magic and bravery, it features the young Fina who must defend her village from the evil Dark Rangers.
This all-action set-piece - billed as the biggest equine stunt show in the UK - will form the centre of the one-off Fina and the Platinum Street Party event on June 4, when gates will open at 4.45pm, in readiness for the show at 5.30pm. Stunt riders will lead a cast of around 50 people and more than 15 horses and alongside an atmospheric score will be the voices of actors including Hugh Bonneville and Rory Kinnear as various characters. Annabel Scholey will voice Fina.
After the show, there will follow live music on the site's lake before the giant street party gets under way with around 2,500 guests milling around outside and in the Arches Hall. The party will extend to the dance floor and the celebrations will include added sparkle in the form of fireworks at 7.30pm.
Anne-Isabelle Daulon, chief executive officer and co-founder of 11Arches, said: “We couldn’t be more excited about opening 11Arches Park to the public for this momentous day. Nothing will beat the feeling of seeing families here, all having a fantastic time!”
The street party will mark the second Jubilee celebration on the site, after Kynren - An Epic Tale of England takes place on June 3. This special 6.30pm performance is an early preview of the show before Kynren, which is also known for its spectacular firework finale, opens at its usual time later in the year: on Saturdays from August 6 to September 10.
It will see audiences in the 8,000-seater Tribune join young Arthur, as he sets out on his epic quest, and transported on a fast and furious journey through 2,000 years of history, myth and legend; taking in Boudicca’s battles with the Romans; Vikings; Tudors; Stuarts; Queen Victoria; the Industrial Revolution and the First and Second World Wars.
Again, gates will open early - at 6.30pm - on the day to give visitors a chance to mingle and enjoy snacks - there also will be a three-course dining experience available - ahead of the 9.30pm live action. The evening will wrap up with a light and water show including celebratory fireworks display to mark the Queen’s record-breaking 70-year reign.
Tickets for both shows are available now. Those for Kynren cost £26 for adults and from £16 for under-18s, while children aged three and under are allowed free entry if they will be sitting on an adult’s lap.
Tickets for Fina and the Platinum Street Party are limited to 2,500 people. The cost for the show plus a 'Platinum Hamper Experience' with unreserved seating, the hamper, live music and fireworks are £30 for adults and £20 for children. A Platinum Arches Hall Experience, including fast-track ticket check, a reserved area with padded seats, three-course dining, live music and fireworks, is £59.
A pre-bookable Park and Ride shuttle bus service to and from the site is also available, as is designated parking for Blue Badge Holders, subject to availability. For more information and to book tickets see here.
