SSBB at CITY HALL - 21st December 2025

CITY HALL TICKETS

10% GROUP BOOKING DICOUNT for 10+ TICKETS

“REINVENTING THE BIG BAND…” - Jazzwise Magazine

After 14 amazing years of spreading festive cheer, we decided it’s time to up the ante for our milestone 15th year!

For Christmas 2025 we’re moving to the iconic O2 City Hall Newcastle for a truly spectacular festive show with all the trimmings you could possibly wish for.

Get ready to be dazzled by Michael Lamb’s Strictly Smokin’ Big Band and the sensational Alice Grace, joined by a specially curated orchestra led by the renowned Bradley Creswick from Northern Sinfonia and The John Wilson Orchestra. They’ll be performing brand-new music from Stuart Mclean-Fowler, with a few extra surprises sprinkled in to keep you on your toes!

Every year these shows have sold out, but the big question is: Can we fill the City Hall? We’re ready to find out, and we hope you’ll join us!

We’re also proud to announce that this year, we’re supporting Mind Tyneside and Northumberland. We’ll be collecting donations at the show to help make a difference during the festive season.

It’s going to be a Christmas to remember—don’t miss out!

“STRICTLY SMOKIN’ OUTFIT PREACHES THE GOSPEL OF BIG BAND JAZZ WITH JOYOUS AND AT TIMES BLISTERING ZEAL.” – The Scotsman

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from Bebop Spoken Here - 01 02 25

Back in the day when I first took an interest in jazz big bands ruled. British bands such as Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth (as he was then), Eric Delaney, Vic Lewis, Jack Parnell and the short-lived Ronnie Scott Orchestra led the way for legendary American bands in the form of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich and Woody Herman among others.

Where did I see all of those fabulous aggregations of the finest musicians? At Newcastle City Hall of course.

And now the wheel has turned the full circle and the venue opens its doors once more to a great big band show that promises to surpass or at the very least equal anything from those days of yore.

Yes the north east based, nationally acclaimed Strictly Smokin' Big Band are there in concert on Sunday December 21 in what is described as their 'Biggest ever festive show'.

This isn't PR hyperbole but a statement backed up by facts.

For several years, every December, SSBB have sold out Gosforth Civic Theatre over two nights which isn't surprising given the quality of the players and singer. The move to the O2 City Hall, as it is now known, whilst a logical progression demanded something extra special and I think, come December, the anticipated sell-out crowd will agree that that aim was achieved. 

Apart from the many big bands the venue was also home to the Northern Sinfonia and one of its best known leaders was Bradley Creswick who returns to lead a specially curated orchestra for the occasion. There's also some brand-new music by Stuart McLean-Fowler and, if you like jazz singing at its finest (and who doesn't?) there's Alice Grace.

Tickets are now on sale and there are some mouthwatering options - see links below.

from Bebop Spoken Here - 15 01 24

Second set, Santa hats on stage, some in the audience, Santa Baby, Let it Snow, The Christmas Song, just go with the flow. So, it's almost the 'Big Day'. As a prezzie, how about two tickets (more, if you like) to the SSBB's 2025 Xmas show? Note, 'show' singular. Next year, Sunday 21 December, Michael Lamb's superb band can be found at the o2 City Hall. The SSBB will be joined by the Northern Orchestra (Bradley Creswick and strings galore) plus some TBA special guests. It's a big undertaking. Imagine a capacity audience (2000 plus) in the historic venue, you can be part of it. Book now at: www.strictly-smokin.co.uk or www.academymusicgroup.com. ~ Russell