The former X Factor winner from South Shields, Joe McElderry, is devoting his 29th birthday to raising funds for his home theatre, The Customs House.
Joe’s Big Birthday Night In, a night of music, games and special celebrations, will be streamed live on Twitch on Tuesday 16 June from 7:30PM.
“My Big Birthday Night In is raising funds for The Customs House,” he said, “an incredible local theatre. It’s where I started out and where many performers, who’ve gone on to do incredible things, began their careers.
“It’s a community hub and it’s such a special place to South Shields, so please, if you can, donate to this wonderful cause because, with everything that’s going on, theatres like these all over the country rely on people going through their doors and obviously that’s not possible.
“All we ask is that you enjoy the livestream and donate as much or as little as you can.”
His earlier gig at The Customs House on 18 March, held like this one behind closed doors, raised more than £8,000 for The Customs House and Acting For Others charities.
“We are delighted to be opening our doors, virtually, to celebrate Joe’s 29th birthday,” said Customs House Executive Director Ray Spencer.
“What a fantastic 10 years he’s had and through those 10 years he’s always been the first to step forward and support The Customs House.
“So please support Joe when we celebrate his birthday at The Customs House, live-streamed into your home.”
Very early in his career, Joe McElderry worked in The Green Room (now Dame Bella's) at The Customs House where he was known and loved as "the singing waiter".
The event will be on McElderry's Twitch TV Channel and donations can be made through Go Fund Me. He is hoping to raise at last £5,000.