A funk and soul legend is bringing his ultimate house party to a North East venue next month.

Craig Charles will be delving into his extensive record collection to play groovy bangers and exclusive funk and soul cuts at The Fire Station in Sunderland on Friday, April 12.

Tamsin Austin, venue director at The Fire Station, said: “From the stages of Glastonbury to the airwaves of BBC6 Music, Craig has been firing up the UK’s funk and soul community with his infectious energy and unstoppable beats for more than 30 years.

“His house party will transform The Fire Station into his living room where he’ll invite us all into his world of rhythm and soul. Craig has a reputation for whipping up the dancefloor so it’ll be a party not to be forgotten."

Caribbean street food specialists The Calabash Tree will be bringing the authentic tastes of Trinidad and Tobago – and ‘sunshine in a bowl’ - at the venue from 6pm until 9pm.

Actor and comedian Craig is probably best known for his role as Dave Lister in the cult sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf, although he also played Lloyd Mullaney in Coronation Street, and presented the game show Robot Wars.

The Northern Echo: Funk and soul diva Craig Charles is coming to SunderlandFunk and soul diva Craig Charles is coming to Sunderland (Image: SUNDERLAND CULTURE)

His first TV appearances were as a performance poet, and his movie performances have included leading roles in the British films Fated and Clubbing to Death.

However, his passion has always been music. He has hosted The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show on BBC radio since 2002, and performs DJ sets at numerous clubs and festivals, nationally and internationally. He makes regular appearances on BBC Radio 6 Music as a DJ.

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In 2009, Craig formed the Fantasy Funk Band from leading UK musicians in the genre and has presented the band at festivals, including Glastonbury and the BBC's Proms in the Park.

This evening will be a club-style event. Tickets will be sold unreserved, with a dancefloor on The Fire Station’s ground-level area. Customers with access requirements should contact The Fire Station’s box office.

Tickets are priced from £29 and to book, or for more information, go to www.thefirestation.org.uk