The Snowman in Concert

The Snowman in Concert returns to The Fire Station on Sunday 20 December, with three sessions to choose from: 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00. It's the venue's annual screening, now in its third year, and this time the score is played live on the night by The EverReady Band.

The show pairs Raymond Briggs' 1978 story with its 1982 animated adaptation, and that includes 'Walking in the Air', the song most people associate with it. Having a live band on stage changes the whole thing from watching a film to something closer to a concert, and it's a family favourite for a reason.

The EverReady Band brings a fair bit of North East history with them. They formed in 1910 as the Craghead Colliery Band and have won the North of England Brass Band Championships a record 36 times, so they're well-versed in this kind of thing. If you're heading in early, there's a pre-show at FireSide, the venue's rear space, with live DJs, music, winter cocktails and Neapolitan pizza.

Tickets start at £20, with under-18s £13 and a family of four for £69 — that one has to be booked in groups of four and include at least one child under 18. Babies under 12 months go free and sit on a lap. Under-14s need to be accompanied by an adult. Doors open at 10:30, 13:30 and 16:30, so you've got plenty of time to get settled before the first note. The Fire Station is on High Street West, Sunderland SR1 3HA.