One of the biggest live performances in the country involving over 1,000 people began its first outdoor rehearsals this weekend.

Kynren in 11 Arches Park, Bishop Auckland is set for a triumphant return once again this summer as outdoor rehearsals for the spectacular took place on Saturday (July 13).

The '2000 year history of England' takes attendees through a re-telling of 2,000 years of English history in a 90-minute set from July 27 to September 14 - with tickets starting at £26 for adults.

The cast and crew of over 1000 volunteers and 150 animals, is putting the finishing touches together ahead of its 2024 season.

This year audiences will be able to explore a newly built Viking village with a working blacksmith's forge, cottages, and a cookhouse before sitting down to watch the show.

Dan Malkin, a volunteer who stars as one of Kynren's Viking blacksmiths said: "I'm excited to perform this in front of an audience and I think people watching will be shocked to see the brute force of the job – the Vikings were a tough bunch."

Wendy Wilshere, head of volunteer casting and engagement, added: "We're continuously building upon Kynren's offering so that audiences returning year after year find something new to marvel at each time.

"This also means volunteers get more out of the experience, learning new skills and having opportunities to try new things. 

"We couldn't do what we do here at Kynren without the volunteers who are always incredibly willing to share their specialist skills with others and I hope they know how grateful we are to work with them."

The 90-minute performances start at sunset and end in starlight and will be taking place every Saturday night from 27th July to 14th September.  

Tickets cost from £26 for adults and from £16 for under 18s. Children aged 3 and under are free when sat on an adult's knee. Entry to the Viking Village is included in the ticket price. 

Pictures show various volunteers' costumes up and running through the show using swords, and riding along on horses across all parts of the stage.

Here's a sneak peek at the show ahead of its return with some of the snaps from the first-ever dress rehearsal run-through over the weekend.