The Fire Station

Johnny James, Managing Editor

The Fire Station in Sunderland was recently kitted out with a state-of-the-art auditorium, bringing a whole new wave of live music, theatre and comedy to the city.

Dating back to 1908, The Fire Station was dramatically restored in 2017 – an £11m project at the heart of the transformational cultural development in the city centre, known as the MAC Quarter. The venue’s Engine Room bar and restaurant quickly became a go-to food and drink spot, while its studios provided a much-needed space for children and young people to develop their artistic talents.

Two years later in 2019, work began on the creation of the new auditorium, which necessitated a sizeable extension of the building. Holding 550 seated and 800 standing, the new space, completed in late 2021, now attracts artists, shows and performances that have not been able to visit Sunderland before.

And there’s more. In 2022, the venue opened a new outside space. The Parade Ground brings live music and performance to the great outdoors with a large multifunctional stage and festival atmosphere. Within it, a new Colonnade Bar – complete with a bird’s-eye view balcony – serves up a relaxed drinks offer to accompany the outdoor performance programme.

Providing a year-round programme of events from both rising stars and well-established artists, The Fire Station is a huge win for Sunderland’s cultural calendar.

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What's on near The Fire Station

Where to go near The Fire Station

Aphrodite
Sunderland
Shop
Aphrodite

In 1994 Aphrodite was established by two brothers, Andrew and Duncan McKenzie, who had a passion for bringing good menswear to people in their city. Since then, they have been providing designer clothing from a range of high-quality brands that have large scale appeal to those who love fashion such as Stone Island, Canada Goose, DSquared2, Kenzo & Balmain – though that list is not exhaustive as they have clothing from every brand from A-Z.

Reynolds Outdoor Centre
Sunderland
Shop
Reynolds Outdoor Centre

Reynolds Outdoor Centre has provided outdoor wear, military surplus and camping gear since 1860. In the North East of England there is a fantastic array of wilderness to explore, from hills and mountains through to beautiful valleys and seaside walks.

Port Independent
Sunderland
Shop
Port Independent

Port Independent is an independent clothing retailer selling high-end fashion and quirky, carefully curated pieces.

D'Acqua
Sunderland
Restaurant
D’Acqua

A stone’s throw from Sunderland museum and winter gardens, is D’Acqua – an exceptional eating experience in the heart of the city. In a Grade II listed building that used to house the Sunderland and South Tyneside water board, you will be able to enjoy the ambience that resonates out of these fantastic bricks and mortar – French oak floors and handmade bricks at that.

Angelo's Ristorante
Sunderland
Restaurant
Angelo’s Ristorante

Angelo’s Ristorante is an authentic Italian restaurant in Sunniside, Sunderland. Sitting within in a Grade II listed building, the restaurant enjoys surroundings that have been carefully restored using the original features of the building, including a rare glass staircase from the 19th century.

Mowbray Park
Sunderland
Park
Mowbray Park

In the heart of Sunderland is Mowbray Park – one of the oldest parks in the North East of England. This beautiful park is wonderfully Victorian, being carefully designed to allow for a pleasant walk and fresh air in the centre of the city, while showing you plans from across the world.

St. Peter's Church
Sunderland
Place of worship
St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is a Grade I listed building on the campus of Sunderland University, founded originally by Benedict Biscop.

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