A CITY’s festival will feature a display by some of the country’s top rally drivers.

A special rally stage will be installed in Herrington Country Park, Sunderland, which is celebrating 21 years of city status. Sunderland, which staging its third annual festival from June 14 to 16, is considering staging a rally event.

The rally display will take place on Saturday June 15.

Sunderland City Council leader Paul Watson said:" We are always on the look-out to bring something new and exciting to our city and the surrounding area. “With the Sunderland International Airshow, stadium concerts and the Sunderland Festival we have shown year after year that Sunderland is a great place to hold big events.

"This rally 'taster' is a fantastic opportunity for people to see first hand some of the skill, dedication and preparation needed to drive a special rally stage. “It also gives organisers and other interested parties a chance to sit down and talk through potential plans and opportunities."

The main event starts at 11am and will run for approximately two hours. The festival is free. For programme details visit www.sunderlandlive.co.uk