A venue in North Shields shut on Tuesday to host a 'secret' Brit Awards party for Sam Fender's friends and family, with a cardboard cut out of the Geordie music icon fetching £1,400 in a special auction.
As Sam, his band and his manager all headed to London for the ceremony at the O2 Arena, the North East Homeless Hub in the Fish Quay closed its doors as it geared up to host a bash in Sam's honour.
Little was known about the party as the Fish Quay Hub didn't reveal what they had planned, with them simply telling the public they were 'closed for a private event.'
Sam was up for three awards at the Brits 2022, Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Rock/Alternative, with him triumphing in the latter, beating acts like Coldplay and Tom Grennan to emerge victorious.
READ MORE: Sam Fender's band leave Brits on golf buggy doing Newcastle chant
After accepting his award from Rolling Stone icon Ronnie Wood, Sam thanked his fans, his manager and "everyone back in Shields," before he mentioned "everyone at North East Homeless."
MC for the evening Bertie Foster, hosted an auction, with bids on a cardboard cut out of Sam reaching £1,400. Everyone at the party signed the back of the cut-out and Sam and the lads have promised to sign the front when they get back to Shields.
The Fish Quay hub let the cat out of the bag about the Brits party in the early hours of Wednesday when they posted pictures of the venue looking suitable decked out for the occasion with a massive screen on the wall ready for the broadcast to begin and a red carpet rolled out for guests.
Above the photos they wrote: "So the Secrets out, Sorry for the cloak and daggers, The Private party we had tonight was for Sam Fender & Band family & friends.
"We did want to have an open free night to celebrate Sam being nominated for 3 x Brits, but we had to have it as a closed event, We hope yous understand."
They added: "Didn’t the boys do well, we’ll done man, i’m sure you’s will congratulate them loads like us.
"Sam mentioned North East Homeless in his speech , which he didn’t have to, but wow, the response just from that has been mad."
For the latest What's On news, announcements and reviews direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
