Strictly Smokin’ Big Band makes festive magic for Mind
Celebrating 15 Years of magic with a Christmas Spectacular Concert supporting our local Mind!
The powerhouse ensemble, rooted in the North of England, marks a milestone anniversary of 15 years this Christmas with an ambitious festive event that combines their genre-defying jazz orchestra and a celebration of music’s power to bring communities together at the O2 City Hall, Newcastle on Sunday 21st December 2025.
Strictly Smokin’ Big Band, led by Michael Lamb, promises an extra special Christmas Concert to mark 15 years of the beloved annual tradition, including an expanded orchestra, and the blending of beloved seasonal favourites with unexpected arrangements and original compositions.
This year Strictly Smokin’ Big Bang will also be taking a moment for mental health, giving their musical performance an even greater impact by partnering with local mental health charity Tyneside and Northumberland MIND.
The annual Christmas concert has always held special significance, representing a celebration of music’s power to bring people together, to lift spirits, and to create moments of shared joy during what can be a challenging time of year for many.
“Music has this extraordinary ability to meet people where they are emotionally” shares Michael Lamb, lead of the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band. “Whether someone comes to the show feeling joyful or struggling with seasonal struggles, there’s something in the music that can speak to them, connect with them. That’s particularly important at Christmas, when the cultural pressure to feel happy can sometimes make people who are struggling feel even more isolated – for some, it is as simple as being in others’ friendly company at the venue.” says Lamb.
Recognising the paradox of togetherness and celebration, alongside loneliness and mental health challenges for many that the festive season brings, Lamb reached out to Tyneside and Northumberland Mind, the local mental health charity, to add some extra special magic to their Christmas Spectacular.
The team behind the beloved Christmas Concert are working with Tyneside and Northumberland Mind to raise mental health awareness and inspire local people to seek support when they need it most this Holiday season with an optional donation upon ticket checkout, where all proceeds raised will be used to sustain our vital mental health support services – available throughout the festive season. Tyneside and Northumberland Mind volunteers will also hold buckets and collection tins at the entrance and exit of the O2 City Hall during the Concert to encourage guests to dig deep and support their local mental health charity for the occasion.
*We are so very grateful to everyone involved in this concert for fundraising to support our work and helping promote Tyneside and Northumberland Mind. Donations can be made to Strictly Smokin’ Big Band Fundraises for Tyneside and Northumberland Mind – JustGiving.
Donations to support Tyneside and Northumberland Mind can also be provided at ticket purchase checkout, all gifting will support local mental health support services. Ticket prices do not include a donation.
Get your tickets for the Strictly Smokin Big Band Christmas Concert here: Strictly Smokin’ Big Band’s Christmas at O2 City Hall Newcastle | O2 City Hall Newcastle Newcastle Upon Tyne Sun 21 December 2025 here.
Event details: Doors open 5pm and show starts 6pm
