Surprise encore at Hartlepool show by Kiki Dee

The million-selling singer took to the stage at St George’s Venue in Hartlepool, delivering a sold-out acoustic performance alongside long-time collaborator Carmelo Luggeri.

The show featured reinterpretations of her classic hits, including Loving and Free, I’ve Got The Music In Me, and her iconic duet with Elton John, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, which has now surpassed 1.1 billion Spotify streams.

The stunning St George’s Venue in Hartlepool as Kiki Dee & Carmello appear on stage (Image: Goffy Media)

But the night took an unexpected turn when the duo realised after leaving the stage that they had missed out Amoureuse, one of Kiki’s most beloved songs.

In a rare move, they returned to the stage to perform the track live for fans.

Kiki said: “It was the first time we’ve had to reassemble the audience, but we all laughed about it as we hooked up again to restart.

“I’ve loved playing Hartlepool.

“We’ve played a few churches now and they have an ambience all of their own.

“It was great to look out and see so many happy faces joining in with us.

“St George’s Venue is a terrific place and we would be delighted to return one day.”

The performance is one of the latest in a series of high-profile events at St George’s Venue, inside St George’s Church at the corner of York Road and Park Road.

Carmelo Luggeri, an English-born guitarist, composer, and producer of Italian heritage, has toured with Kiki for over 30 years across the UK and Europe.

The show in Hartlepool was praised by organisers as further evidence of the venue’s growing reputation as a destination for major touring artists.

Paul Rodgers, events co-ordinator at St George’s Venue, said: “The feedback has been fantastic.

“Following on from our recent event with Ashley Campbell, daughter of Glen Campbell, we really feel the positive response from people who are sampling what we do and more importantly returning with family and friends.”

The appearance is the latest in a run of high-profile live events at St George’s Venue, as Hartlepool continues to attract established names from the UK music scene to its intimate performance setting.