Calling all cool cats - we're celebrating 20 years of Independent with a night of nostalgia

This year marks 20 years of Independent in Holmeside - and it’s hosting one of its original club nights as part of the celebrations.

Taking place on Easter Thursday, the event will see Cool For Cats return to the venue for a night that revisits an important chapter in Independent’s late-night history.

The club night ran weekly on Thursdays from the earliest days of the original Independent, becoming a well- known part of the city’s midweek nightlife.

Now, as Independent marks two decades, the two come together once again for a one-off celebration that is expected to attract both long-time followers of the night and current regulars.

The Cool For Cats team has continued to host occasional one-off events at Pop Recs several times a year, but this Easter Thursday event offers a rare chance to revive the spirit of one of Independent’s best-known original nights in its former home.

Expect the best ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s hits on 7’’ vinyl from 8pm til late.

Independent’s Ben Wall said: “The times have changed so much since the early days of Independent. Midweek nights were a big thing back then, and Cool For Cats was such an important part of that late-night culture.

“Having the opportunity to bring this night back on Easter Thursday felt particularly fitting, especially with most people off on the Friday. Unlike the old days, we won’t be open until 6am though, it’ll be a slightly more civilised finish time.”

Frankie Francis from Cool For Cats added: “It’s a real pleasure to be back at Independent and we can’t wait to see plenty of familiar faces alongside some of Independent’s regular customers.”

The event forms part of a wider programme celebrating 20 years of Independent, reflecting on the venue’s history while bringing together the communities that have shaped it over the years.

For those who were there the first time around, the night promises a nostalgic return. For newer audiences, it offers a chance to experience a club night that helped define an era for Sunderland nightlife.

*Cool for Cats is at Independent in Holmeside on Thursday, April 2. Tickets are £8 here: https://www.fatsoma.com/e/cq9vglv9/cool-for-cats