The Fire Station

The Fire Station is an award-winning cultural and events venue in the heart of Sunderland's city centre. The complex combines a modern performance building with the restored 1907 Edwardian Fire Station, creating a venue that can accommodate everything from large conferences and concerts to private dinners, networking events and weddings. The venue describes itself as a mid-scale performance venue and provides adaptable spaces for meetings, conferences and special events. Its principal space is the Auditorium, which provides professional theatre and conference facilities, stage configurations, sound, lighting, AV equipment and backstage facilities. The current official capacity is 550 seated in standard theatre configuration or 806 standing on Level 0 stalls. The venue notes that stage depth can affect the final capacity. The Foyer Bar and Mezzanine provide smaller, more flexible spaces for networking, receptions and corporate gatherings. The Foyer Bar can accommodate up to 350 standing, while the Mezzanine accommodates up to 80 standing. They can be hired separately or together outside performance times. The Engine Room is a separately bookable restaurant/bar within the restored Edwardian building, while the Parade Ground is a private gated outdoor performance and events area with its own stage, seating, festival lighting and outdoor bar. The Parade Ground typically accommodates up to 600 people.