Discover All Events

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England is one of the United Kingdom's most extraordinary live-action outdoor performances, offering audiences a spectacular journey through more than 2,000 years of English history. Hosted in the beautiful surroundings of Auckland Castle near Bishop Auckland in County Durham, this award-winning production combines history, theatre, music, technology, and breathtaking visual effects into an unforgettable evening experience. Unlike a traditional theatre performance, Kynren is presented on a massive outdoor stage spanning over seven acres, allowing hundreds of performers, horses, live animals, historical ships, moving scenery, and special effects to recreate defining moments from England's past. Every performance showcases remarkable storytelling that brings famous historical events and legendary figures to life in an immersive and emotionally engaging way. Whether you are visiting with family, friends, or travelling from overseas, Kynren offers a unique opportunity to witness one of Britain's most celebrated cultural attractions while exploring the rich heritage of County Durham. Discover an Award-Winning Outdoor Spectacular Produced by the charity Eleven Arches, Kynren has become one of the UK's most successful heritage productions. Since its debut, the show has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Britain and around the world. The production tells the story through the eyes of Arthur, a young boy who embarks on a magical journey across centuries of English history. As the story unfolds, audiences experience dramatic historical events including Roman Britain, Viking invasions, Norman conquests, medieval England, the Tudor period, the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, both World Wars, and modern Britain. The combination of historical storytelling, live music, dramatic narration, and state-of-the-art visual technology creates an unforgettable theatrical experience that appeals to audiences of every age. Spectacular Performances on a Grand Scale One of Kynren's greatest strengths is the incredible scale of the production. More than one thousand volunteers work together to deliver every performance, making it one of the largest volunteer-led live shows in the world. The performance includes: Hundreds of costumed actors Professional horse riders Live farm animals Vikings arriving in authentic longboats Roman soldiers marching into battle Medieval knights competing in tournaments Steam locomotives Historic ships Fire, smoke, and water effects Stunning fireworks Advanced projection mapping Dramatic orchestral music Every scene has been carefully choreographed to provide a cinematic experience that seamlessly blends history with modern theatrical innovation. A Journey Through England's Rich Heritage Throughout the evening, audiences travel across centuries of remarkable historical events that shaped the nation. Visitors witness the arrival of the Romans, experience Viking invasions, watch medieval castles rise, celebrate royal coronations, observe the transformation brought by the Industrial Revolution, and reflect on the courage shown during both World Wars. Rather than simply presenting historical facts, Kynren creates emotional connections with the people, traditions, and events that helped define England's national identity. Each historical sequence is accompanied by immersive narration, original music, realistic costumes, and stunning lighting effects that create a truly memorable atmosphere. Family Entertainment for All Ages Kynren has been designed to entertain visitors of every generation. Families appreciate its educational value, while adults enjoy the spectacular production quality and historical storytelling. Children become fascinated by knights, castles, horses, Vikings, and fireworks, while parents and grandparents enjoy learning more about England's remarkable history through engaging live performances. The event provides an excellent opportunity for families to spend quality time together while experiencing one of the country's finest outdoor attractions. Explore the Kynren Experience Before the Show The experience begins well before the evening performance starts. Visitors arriving early can enjoy various attractions surrounding the venue, including heritage exhibitions, interactive displays, themed entertainment, food outlets, gift shops, and beautifully maintained grounds. Guests can relax, dine, browse local products, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere before taking their seats in the purpose-built outdoor amphitheatre. These additional experiences transform Kynren into a full-day destination rather than simply an evening performance. World-Class Production Quality Kynren has earned international recognition for its exceptional production values. The creative team combines traditional theatre with cutting-edge technology to produce an unforgettable visual experience. Highlights include: Advanced lighting systems Immersive sound design Massive moving stage sets Professional choreography High-definition projection mapping Water and fire effects Precision pyrotechnics Authentic historical costumes Beautiful orchestral soundtrack Every technical element has been carefully designed to create a realistic and emotionally engaging performance. Discover County Durham's Historic Beauty Located beside the historic Auckland Castle estate, Kynren provides an excellent opportunity to explore one of northern England's most attractive heritage destinations. Visitors can combine their trip with nearby attractions including: Auckland Castle The Auckland Project Historic market town of Bishop Auckland Durham Cathedral Durham Castle Local museums Heritage railways Scenic countryside walks Many visitors choose to spend an entire weekend discovering the rich history and beautiful landscapes of County Durham. Why You Should Attend Kynren Kynren offers a unique combination of education, entertainment, and cultural heritage that few live events can match. Reasons to attend include: One of the UK's largest outdoor live performances More than 1,000 performers and volunteers Stunning special effects and fireworks Family-friendly entertainment Authentic historical storytelling Beautiful outdoor venue Exceptional production quality Perfect for tourists and history lovers Educational and inspiring experience Memorable evening for visitors of all ages

The Annual Update Conference 2026 by Mercia Group Ltd is a premier professional event created for accountants, auditors, tax advisers, finance managers, and business leaders across the United Kingdom. Taking place over two informative days, this conference delivers expert guidance on the latest changes in taxation, audit regulations, financial reporting, accounting standards, and emerging technologies that are shaping the profession. Designed to provide practical knowledge rather than just theory, the conference helps delegates understand how legislative updates, regulatory reforms, and digital innovation will affect their clients and organisations. Attendees will leave with actionable insights that can be implemented immediately within their businesses or accounting practices. Why Attend the Annual Update Conference? Keeping up with constant changes in accounting legislation and compliance requirements is becoming increasingly challenging. The Annual Update Conference simplifies these changes by bringing together industry experts who explain complex topics in an easy-to-understand and practical manner. Whether you work in public practice, industry, education, or financial consulting, the event provides valuable knowledge that supports both professional development and business success. Key benefits include: Expert-led technical sessions Practical compliance guidance Latest HMRC and taxation updates Networking with finance professionals Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities Learn from Leading Industry Experts Mercia Group has established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality professional training throughout the UK. During the conference, experienced technical consultants and industry specialists present the latest developments affecting accountants and finance professionals. Delegates gain direct access to expert speakers who explain: Changes to UK tax legislation Audit and assurance updates Financial reporting developments Company law revisions Professional ethics Practice management strategies Digital transformation within accountancy Interactive sessions also allow attendees to ask questions and discuss practical challenges they face in their day-to-day work. Comprehensive Taxation Updates Tax legislation changes every year, making continuous learning essential for professionals advising clients. Conference sessions cover important topics including: Corporation Tax Experts explain recent corporation tax developments, reliefs, compliance requirements, and planning opportunities for businesses of all sizes. VAT Delegates receive practical guidance covering: Recent VAT case law Making Tax Digital updates VAT compliance International VAT considerations Common compliance mistakes Employment Taxes Sessions discuss: PAYE developments National Insurance changes Employee benefits Payroll compliance Salary sacrifice arrangements These presentations help professionals remain compliant while identifying opportunities to provide additional value to clients. Audit and Assurance Developments Audit standards continue to evolve as regulators introduce new quality requirements. Dedicated sessions explore: Updated auditing standards Quality management requirements Audit documentation Risk assessment improvements Internal control evaluation Fraud detection responsibilities Practical examples demonstrate how firms can strengthen audit quality while maintaining efficiency. Financial Reporting Updates Financial reporting remains one of the most important responsibilities for accountants and finance professionals. The conference provides detailed guidance covering: UK GAAP Delegates receive updates on: FRS 102 developments Disclosure requirements Measurement changes Accounting treatments Financial Statements Experts explain best practices for preparing accurate financial statements while ensuring compliance with current reporting standards. Real-life case studies make complex accounting issues easier to understand. Artificial Intelligence in Modern Accountancy Artificial Intelligence is transforming accounting firms across the UK. Dedicated conference sessions explore how AI supports: Automated bookkeeping Financial analysis Client reporting Risk assessment Document processing Workflow automation Data accuracy Speakers also discuss the ethical use of AI, cybersecurity considerations, and future developments expected within the profession. Rather than replacing accountants, AI is presented as a tool that enhances productivity and improves client service. Technology and Digital Transformation Modern accounting firms increasingly rely on digital technologies. Conference presentations introduce attendees to: Cloud accounting software Digital tax solutions Automation platforms Electronic document management Cybersecurity best practices Practice management systems Delegates learn how technology improves operational efficiency while reducing administrative workload. Networking Opportunities One of the greatest advantages of attending the conference is the opportunity to connect with professionals from across the UK. Networking allows delegates to: Exchange industry knowledge Discuss regulatory challenges Share business experiences Explore partnerships Build professional relationships Learn from peers The conference creates an environment where collaboration and professional growth naturally develop. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Maintaining technical competence is essential for accounting professionals. The conference contributes towards Continuing Professional Development by providing structured learning covering: Technical accounting Taxation Audit Ethics Technology Business strategy Delegates return to their organisations with practical knowledge that supports both compliance and professional advancement. Who Should Attend? The Annual Update Conference is ideal for professionals working throughout the finance and accounting sector, including: Chartered Accountants Certified Accountants Finance Directors Finance Managers Tax Advisers Audit Managers Practice Partners Financial Controllers Business Consultants Payroll Specialists Compliance Officers Accounting Technicians Whether working in public practice or industry, attendees benefit from comprehensive technical updates and valuable networking opportunities. Practical Learning for Immediate Application Unlike purely academic conferences, Mercia Group focuses on practical learning. Every session includes: Real-world examples Practical case studies Compliance guidance Best practice recommendations Interactive discussions Expert Q&A sessions Delegates leave with solutions that can immediately improve their daily work. Why Choose Mercia Group? Mercia Group has supported UK accounting professionals for many years through high-quality technical training, publications, and professional development programmes. Its reputation is built on: Experienced technical specialists Practical training methods Industry-leading expertise Trusted educational resources Excellent delegate satisfaction Comprehensive CPD programmes The Annual Update Conference reflects Mercia's commitment to helping finance professionals remain informed, compliant, and prepared for future industry developments. Final Thoughts The Annual Update Conference 2026 by Mercia Group Ltd is an essential event for finance and accounting professionals seeking to stay informed about the latest regulatory changes, taxation updates, audit developments, financial reporting standards, and technological innovations. Through expert-led presentations, practical workshops, and valuable networking opportunities, delegates gain the knowledge and confidence needed to deliver exceptional professional services in an evolving financial landscape. Whether your goal is meeting CPD requirements, enhancing technical expertise, or preparing your organisation for future challenges, this conference provides outstanding value for every attendee.

The BPS Research Board is proud to host an official launch event for the newly established "Small Research Grants Scheme," taking place at the society's headquarters in Leicester. This event is a critical milestone for the British Psychological Society as it seeks to expand its support for grassroots research and innovative pilot studies that might otherwise struggle to secure large-scale national funding. The session is designed to be both informative and consultative, providing potential applicants with a clear roadmap for the submission and review process. The Small Research Grants Scheme is specifically tailored to support early-career researchers and those working in niche areas of psychology. During the launch, members of the Research Board will provide a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria, the thematic priorities for the 2026-2027 funding cycle, and the specific assessment metrics that will be used to evaluate proposals. This transparency is intended to encourage a high volume of quality applications from a diverse range of psychological disciplines, from neuropsychology to social and environmental psychology. In addition to the formal presentation of the grant guidelines, the event will feature a Q&A session where attendees can seek clarification on budgetary requirements and collaborative partnerships. This is a rare opportunity for researchers to speak directly with the grant-makers and understand the strategic vision behind the scheme. The launch also emphasizes the importance of impact; speakers will discuss how the BPS hopes these small grants will act as a "springboard" for researchers to eventually secure more substantial funding from bodies like the ESRC or the Wellcome Trust. By attending this event in person in Leicester, researchers can also network with peers who may be interested in co-authoring bids or sharing resources. The launch represents the BPS's commitment to nurturing the next generation of psychological talent and ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of global psychological inquiry. It is an essential gathering for anyone looking to advance their research career within the framework of the British Psychological Society.