BOYBAND sensation One Direction will play one of only four UK stadium concerts in the North-East next year.

The five-piece group, who were finalists in the 2010 X-Factor, will take to the stage at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Wednesday, May 28, 2014.

It is a major coup for the club, which has built a reputation for hosting big name concerts in recent years.

Demand for tickets is expected to be high and the influx of concertgoers will give a boost to the North-East hospitality trade.

Stars Harry, Zayn, Liam, Louis and Niall will visit Wearside as part of their first global stadium tour.

The band have sold more than 14 million singles and eight million albums and have won two BRIT Awards and three MTV Video Music Awards.

SAFC Commercial Director Gary Hutchinson, said: “This is set to be the biggest concert the stadium has played host to.

“One Direction really are the band of the moment, with a massive international profile and fanbase, so to secure one of only four UK stadium gigs that they will be performing is fantastic for the club, the City of Sunderland and the wider North-East region.

“Playing host to the opening night of the tour will also ensure a world-wide profile for the Stadium of Light and further cements our credentials as one of the country’s top venues for major music shows.”

The Sunderland concert will be followed by dates in Manchester on May 31, Edinburgh on June 3 and Wembley on June 7.

Sunderland City Council leader Paul Watson said: "One Direction are one of the biggest bands in the world at the moment, so it's fantastic that they are choosing Sunderland as part of their first stadium tour.

“This year's concerts are set to be the biggest and best yet, bringing thousands of people and millions of pounds into our economy, and the fact that we're already confirming acts for next year is proof of the fantastic work taking place behind the scenes to ensure that Sunderland is always top of the list for major bands and artists on tour."

Tickets cost from £42.50 (plus booking) and are on sale online and by telephone from 10am on Saturday, May 25. They will not be available from the stadium.

For details visit www.safc.com

*This summer the ground is hosting three big concerts - Bon Jovi, Rihanna and North-East Live, which will feature JLS, Rita Orr and The Wanted.