Plans for the UK’s newest tourist attraction were unveiled this week: an epic live show that will be the largest open-air performance staged in the country since the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.
From June 2016, the grounds of Auckland Castle, County Durham, will host the Eleven Arches project – a spectacular night show bringing to life 2,000 years of Britain’s history with a cast and crew of 1,000 professionally trained volunteers.
Up to 30 shows will be held each summer, recreating historical moments from Roman times to after the second world war. The illuminated castle will be and provide a backdrop for the performances, which will take place across a 71/2-acre stage and make use of 56 horses and 1,843 costumes.
The Eleven Arches project draws on the success of the Puy du Fou theme park in France, known for impeccably choreographed historical shows that involve Viking raids, Roman gladiators and breathtaking special effects.
Puy du Fou – which is working with Eleven Arches as an artistic partner on the performances – attracts close to two million visitors each season and has reinvigorated the Vendée region during the 37 years it has been open.
Eleven Arches hopes its show will have a similar effect on the north-east, estimating that the attraction will create £9m in tourist expenditure in the local area.
All profits made from the show, which is a registered charity, will be used to fund the project’s education and community development initiatives, with a view to being a catalyst for social and economic regeneration in the region.
- elevenarches.org; an open day for the attraction will be held on 6 June from 10am to 3pm in the Market Square, Bishop Auckland
