The Fire Station in Sunderland was the warm and hospitable venue for the 16th North East Culture Awards, becoming the youngest to host the event having opened just two years ago.
Coun John Price, portfolio holder for vibrant city on Sunderland City Council, lit the fuse with words of welcome ahead of another night of celebration. The city council and University of Sunderland were headline partners for this year’s Culture Awards, the ceremony returning to the city after last being staged in the city in 2016 at Sunderland Minster.
The venue may change but popular actor Chris Connel was in the hot seat as usual, adding wit to the proceedings as host. As a celebration of arts and culture across the North East, it was fitting that performances reflected the breadth of talent that enriches our lives.
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Actor and rapper Kema Kay, fresh from reprising his film role as China in the touring stage version of I, Daniel Blake, entertained, as did singer Nadedja whose musical career has…