As a history buff, attending Kynren Storied Lands was an opportunity not to be missed. While not becoming a Viking for the day like a colleague, a fantastic time was had enjoying performances alongside other visitors, but one show stood out from the start: The Last Feather.
A Mystical Setting
The arena is designed as a giant nest, which feels exciting to enter, but the waterfall that greets visitors truly takes the breath away. The stage sets the scene for a mystical time in the North East, with original music by the BBC Concert Orchestra evoking an era of dragons and King Arthur.
For the best views, sitting high up offers a breath-taking backdrop of the County Durham countryside, enhancing immersion. However, the nest design ensures that from any seat, the birds can be seen flying in all their splendour. Seats are hard, as in many outdoor venues, but this is forgotten once the show begins, with 2,500 places available.
The Show's Magic
The show lasts around 30 minutes, filled with magic and the story of humans' connection with birds and flight. It is a poetic journey guided by two characters: a curious young apprentice and a wise bird guardian, exploring our fascination with birds and showcasing species from the natural world.
Over 250 birds fly freely around the arena, meaning no two shows are ever the same. Each bird has its own personality, helping the audience connect on a deeper level than just learning facts. During the performance, some cheeky great grey owls loved the open arena and crowd so much they had to be coaxed down for the next species.
Up-Close Encounters
What sets The Last Feather apart from typical birds of prey shows is the variety of birds and the closeness audiences get to see them. Handlers can be above the seats or on walkways, calling each bird to them, offering an intimate look at birds in flight that is truly awe-inspiring.
Each species flies differently, showcasing nature's wonder: from the soaring Steller's Sea Eagle, the quiet swooping of owls, the gliding of storks, to the dramatic flight of vultures. The vultures flew so close overhead that looking one in the eye and seeing its talons pass by was exhilarating and terrifying.
Conservation Focus
Birds of all colours were on display against a cloudy sky, including brightly coloured macaws, red-bellied galahs, and water birds like scarlet ibis and white storks. The show ends with a fantastic display of all birds in flight across the arena.
The key message is conservation, highlighting rare birds that are vulnerable or critically endangered, such as African white-backed vultures and Steller's sea eagles. After the show, visitors can visit The Lost Feather Emporium, a themed shop with keepsakes, including soft toys available for 'adoption', books, and nature-inspired gifts. The team has also installed owl, bird, and bat boxes on site, providing homes for native birds that appear in the show's background.
