A COUNTRY park is to reverberate to the sound of rally cars as part of the 2013 Sunderland Festival.

On Saturday, June 15, North-East motorsport fans will gain first hand experience of rallying as a specially prepared rally stage is to be installed in Herrington Country Park.

The Sunderland Rally Experience will give festival goers a taste of what may become a key future event for Sunderland as the city considers bringing prestigious international rallying to the region.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Coun Paul Watson said: "We are always on the lookout 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."

Spectators are encouraged to arrive before the main event opens at 11am. The rally stage will open at 10.30am and the cars will run for approximately two hours. 

Sunderland Festival runs from June 14 to 16 and is free to attend. More information is available at www.sunderlandlive.co.uk