Eleven Arches, Bishop Auckland

The former golf course, Flatts Farm, situated in a South Durham loop of the River Wear and overlooked by Auckland Castle has been transformed into Eleven Arches which is an outdoor theatrical spectacular inspired by the Puy de Fou medieval theme park in north-west France. Eleven Arches has re-created 2,000 years of North-East History in the style of the 2012 London Olympics. An artificial lake with full-size boats and a 400m-wide stage attracts around 6000 visitors per night and draws on the skills of 1,000 volunteers.