THOUSANDS of people are travelling to the North-East today to enjoy a free festival of music.
People queued all night to get tickets for Radio 1's Big Weekend at Herrington Country Park, near Sunderland.
US rockers the Foo Fighters and chart-topping dance act the Chemical Brothers are among the acts appearing on the main stage.
Others include Kasabian and Aussie rock chick Natalie Imbrugli, while DJs Pete Tong and Judge Jules will man the decks on the second stage.
Tomorrow, the Black Eyed Peas will perform, as will Gwen Stefani, Basement Jaxx, Jamiroquai, Kaiser Chiefs, Lemar and the Bravery.
More than 15,000 people are expected to visit the park over the next two days and organisers have fenced off the festival to stop gatecrashers.
Motorists have been advised to expect delays and free shuttle buses have been organised to ferry people from the site at the end of each night.
Members of Sunderland Youth Music Project has been invited to review the festival for Radio 1 listeners.
Vicky Neil, 15, of Silksworth, Sunderland, said: "I am so excited about being involved in this weekend. It is a great opportunity to show Radio 1 and the music industry the heartbeat of our home grown talent and it is really great that the city is getting true recognition."
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