STEP into a winter wonderland with festive shows and a magical new pop-up space at The Fire Station this Christmas.
One of Sunderland’s leading cultural venues is gearing up for a magical winter season with jolly shows and a brand-new pop-up experience to help visitors celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Coming to The Fire Station this winter, FireSide offers guests an exciting new space where they eat, drink, and be merry.
A free festive pop-up experience exclusive for Sunderland, FireSide will house outdoor bars, street food, festive lighting and decorations, with cosy heated seating areas to enjoy live music, DJs and more.
FireSide will open at 4pm on Thursday 21st November – the night of the Sunderland Christmas light switch-on – and run until 1st January in the heart of Sunderland’s Culture Quarter.
The marquee will provide Mackems with an enchanting new hangout spot whether they’re attending a show or just enjoying a Yuletide get-together.
The Fire Station will be serving up winter cocktails, boozy hot chocolates, mulled wine and craft beers courtesy of VAUX from the Holly Jolly Bar, with cosy heated seating areas to enjoy live music, DJs and more.
Kids can get involved in pop-up activities and post-Panto surprises, as well as sweet treats and hot chocolate to keep little hands warm. Street food will be provided by The Fire Station’s brand new pizza truck, serving up both classic and festive-themed woodfired pizzas. Entry is free, and discounted food and drink packages will be available to pre-order at thefirestation.org.uk for those planning ahead.
After the festive season, FireSide will be available to hire as a luxury hospitality venue. With room for up to 200 people, the space can be decorated to unique specifications, catering to all kinds of occasions, from personal celebrations to corporate events. The Engine Room will be getting into the holiday spirit too, with a new seasonal menu and festive dining experiences for you and your guests launching on the 27th November.
There are also several festive shows to enjoy throughout December. On Sunday 1st December, orchestral favourites Royal Northern Sinfonia will perform their signature blend of orchestral gems by candlelight.
Richard Hawley returns for a sold out show on Tuesday 3rd December, while Rod Campbell’s children’s book Dear Santa! is brought to life on stage on Wednesday 4th December.
On Wednesday 11th December, local folk trio The Young’Uns bring Christmas songs old and new to the venue with their trademark harmony, heart and humour. It’s another sold-out show.
Paul Edis and Friends return for A Jazzy Christmas on Monday 16th December, and fresh from the Strictly dancefloor, Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp perform rock’n’roll hits and Christmas classics on Tuesday 17th December. Sunderland icons The Futureheads will perform a now sold-out Christmas special on Saturday 21st December, and families can enjoy a showing of a beloved film backed by a live brass band on Sunday 22nd December with The Snowman in concert with The EverReady Band.
Monday 23rd December sees The Fire Station host a family-friendly Christmas celebration ceilidh with festival favourites The Monster Ceilidh Band plus special guests.
Whether you’re a seasoned ceilidh dancer or it’s your first time, get yourself in the Christmas spirit with a traditional Northumbrian dance party – no experience necessary.
Finally on Christmas Eve, Step Into Christmas with a party like no other featuring everyone’s best-loved Christmas songs and plenty of festival cheer. One for all the family.
For those looking for some help with their Christmas shopping, The Fire Station will have gift vouchers for sale both online and via its ticket office. For the first time, physical gift vouchers will be available, presented in an exclusive Fire Station-themed Christmas card.
Rhys McKinnell, CEO of Pub Culture, which operates The Fire Station, said: “The festive season is always such an exciting time of year at The Fire Station, and we’re absolutely thrilled to be able to offer some great new experiences this year to make it even more special.
“FireSide will offer our visitors a unique space to get together with family and friends, enjoy some pre-show food, and cosy up by the fire on cold winter nights. We hope this new addition will further build on the Culture Quarter’s growing reputation as a go-to spot for a great night in Sunderland.
“And with so many festive shows to take in too, this Christmas at The Fire Station will certainly be one to remember.”
Tickets for all shows and gift vouchers can be purchased at thefirestation.org.uk. For more information on FireSide visit thefirestation.org.uk/fireside. For The Engine Room’s festive menu, visit https://pubculture.com/engineroom/christmas/