A Jazzy Christmas – Paul Edis and Friends

Paul Edis and Friends bring A Jazzy Christmas to The Fire Station on Monday 21 December, as part of their 2026 tour. The show is built around new big band arrangements of festive favourites penned by pianist Paul Edis, with the 'velvet-voiced' Jo Harrop on vocals. It's a full nine-piece band behind her, so these are big, brassy versions of the songs rather than a small combo.

That nine-piece line-up is a proper ensemble. Along with Edis on piano and Harrop on vocals, you've got Matt Anderson on sax, Emma Fisk on violin, Michael Dunlop on double bass, and Matt MacKellar on drums. The brass section adds the weight: Graham Hardy on trumpet, Jason Holcomb on trombone, Faye Thompson on alto sax and clarinet, and Megan Robinson on flute and piccolo. With a full horn section and a rhythm section to hold it together, there's enough on stage to give the arrangements plenty of room to breathe.

Reviewers have called it an annual treat, praising the A-list ensemble and the high standard of musicianship on stage. The Sunderland date is one stop on the A Jazzy Christmas 2026 tour, which also takes in The Glasshouse in Gateshead and Queen's Hall Arts Centre in Hexham. If you're bringing the family, keep in mind that under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

The night is at The Fire Station on High Street West, Sunderland SR1 3HA, on Monday 21 December. Doors open at 19:00 and the music starts at 19:30, with tickets from £18.