More than 90 performances are booked for the coming months at a North East venue, ranging from a stunning choice of tribute acts, a drag queen and a multi-award-winning Scottish folk singer.

The Fire Station, located in the cultural quarter of Sunderland City Centre, houses a brand-new auditorium, as well as The Engine Room bar and bistro.

The venue is designed to cater to all tastes, regardless of niche interests or whether you’re just after an entertaining night out.

Within the string of electrifying events will be vintage country and western swing duo Brennen Leigh and Joshua Hedley on Thursday, June 6.

The Northern Echo: Nashville-based Brennen Leigh is an accomplished American songwriter, guitar player and singerNashville-based Brennen Leigh is an accomplished American songwriter, guitar player and singer (Image: BROOKE HAMILTON)

American songwriter, guitar player and singer Brennan has entertained crowds across the United States, Europe and South America and now looks to bring her vintage Nashville-style to Sunderland. 

Joshua is an ace fiddle player, a sharp guitarist, and a singer with a granite twang, who has devoted his entire life to the study of this genre.

The Northern Echo: Ace fiddle player Joshua HedleyAce fiddle player Joshua Hedley (Image: SUNDERLAND CULTURE)

They will be joined by Western Swing local legends Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra for a special summer show.

A host of tribute acts will perform some of Britain’s greatest hits, including The Smyths, performing hits from The Smiths’ albums The Smiths and Hatful of Hollow, plus a 'Best Of' set, on Friday, July 19.

The Northern Echo: The Smyths will also play a 'Best Of' set with tracks from across the classic Smiths back catalogueThe Smyths will also play a 'Best Of' set with tracks from across the classic Smiths back catalogue (Image: SUNDERLAND CULTURE)

While Bruce Springsteen is returning to The Stadium of Light in May, tribute band BOSStria will be at The Fire Station on Saturday, October 26, with iconic live versions from Springsteen concerts spanning more than 50 years.

Beth Nielsen Chapman, a two-time Grammy Award nominee and internationally-renowned American singer songwriter, makes a welcome return to Wearside on Friday, August 23. Her most recent album CrazyTown, charted at number one on the Official UK Country Chart.

The Northern Echo: Beth Nielsen Chapman has embarked on a 22-date tour of the UK - including to SunderlandBeth Nielsen Chapman has embarked on a 22-date tour of the UK - including to Sunderland (Image: SUNDERLAND CULTURE)

And to continue the diverse variety of entertainment, drag entertainer Baga Chipz will take a stop on her ‘Much Betta Tour’ in The Fire Station on Monday, September 9.

One of the programme highlights will be when legendary folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne hit the stage on September 12 to present a repertoire of unforgettable songs like Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home.

Another show that has just gone on sale is Erland Cooper’s Carve the Runes Then Be Content with Silence, which will be at The Fire Station on Sunday, November 24. Erland is a Scottish composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist originally from Stromness, Orkney, who has released five acclaimed studio albums, including a trilogy of work inspired by his childhood home.

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Venue director Tamsin Austin said: “Our aim is to provide variety, range and quality through our programme, and we hope there will be something for everyone, no matter what your musical tastes.”

“The Fire Station is a wonderfully warm, accessible and welcoming venue with brilliant acoustics and an extremely flexible stage, which is why so many acts and performers are only too happy to return to us.”

Tickets for any events can be booked through The Fire Station website at: www.thefirestation.org.uk