A Victorian village worth up to £10,000 has been sold ahead of an auction.
Flambards Theme Park is closing its doors after 48 years due to rising costs and a steady decline in visitor numbers.
The theme park said items from its Victorian village attraction developed in the 1970s were to go on sale at Lay’s Auctioneers.
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Nearly 1,500 items were set to go under the hammer.
But now it’s been revealed the collection from Helston, Cornwall was sold for an undisclosed fee.
It was expected to sell for up to £10,000 with the auction due to take place on 27 March.
Kynren, in Bishop Auckland, Durham, confirmed it purchased the village which would form part of its storied lands attraction as part of the UK’s first live-action historical theme park.
Kynren said the village featured more than 50 sets and scenes with authentic shopfronts and interiors.
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It said it would reimagine the Victorian village as the backdrop to a dynamic and interactive visitor experience which would open in 2026.
A spokesman added: “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of the renowned Flambards Victorian Village ensuring this extraordinary collection remains together and will be brought to life in a spectacular new experience at our attraction, opening in 2026.
“The much-loved Victorian Village featuring over 40 incredible sets and thousands of authentic artefacts was at risk of being broken up following Flambards’ closure.
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“But thanks to Kynren’s commitment to bringing history to life, this stunning piece of the past will now take centre stage in an immersive walk-through experience like no other.
“Visitors will step into the sights, sounds and stories of Victorian life as they explore cobbled streets, authentic shopfronts and live-action vignettes that transport you back in time.
“This will be history like you’ve never seen it before.”
Anna Warnecke, CEO of Kynren, added: “We are not simply relocating the Victorian Village we are transforming it into a vibrant, theatrical journey where visitors will feel as if they have stepped back into the heart of Victorian England.”
Lay’s Auctioneers said it welcomed the acquisition along with Livingstone Leisure the owner of Flambards, as reported by What’s The Jam.
“While we are thrilled that the Victorian village has found such a fitting new home, we understand that some collectors and enthusiasts had hoped to purchase individual elements of the collection,” David Lay said.
“We regret any disappointment this may cause but we remain excited for the future of this extraordinary display.”
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