A couple of days before Christmas Day, The Monster Ceilidh Band are coming to The Fire Station in Sunderland. (You have permission to whoop.)

I experienced my first ever ceilidh at someone’s wedding reception twenty odd years ago. At first I thought: “What’s this shit? Get ‘Dancing Queen’ on.” But after reluctantly taking to the floor to give it a go, I was soon hooked. Everyone was smiling, everyone was grabbing someone by the hand and twirling them round, and everyone was having the time of their lives. Masters of the form are the Monster Ceilidh Band and their expert caller Ruth Ball will be coaching the merry throng as they take to the floor to be put through their paces. You don’t need to be au fait with the dances – just have bags of enthusiasm. And on the night, there will also be guest spots and street food galore. Sorted!

The Monster Ceilidh Band, Monday 23 December, The Fire Station, Sunderland, 7pm, £18 (under 18s £12), thefirestation.org.uk