TOP chart acts including Gwen Stefani and The Foo Fighters have been lined-up to play in one of the North-East's biggest ever open-air concerts.

BBC Radio 1 has announced it is to host its popular annual Big Weekend concert in Sunderland.

The Black Eyed Peas, Chemical Brothers and Basement Jaxx will appear at the two-day event on Saturday, and Sunday, May 7 and 8.

The concert is being staged next to Penshaw Monument, at Herrington Country Park, and 30,000 people are expected to attend.

Tickets for the Big Weekend are free and Radio 1 has 15,000 tickets to give away for each day. They will be available on Saturday and Sunday, April 23 and 24 from a box office in Sunderland's Civic Centre car park, from noon.

The station's DJs, including Chris Moyles, Colin and Edith, JK and Joel and Zane Lowe, will be introducing the bands on stage and broadcasting live from the event.

Chris Moyles, said: "Radio 1's Big Weekend is going to be brilliant this year. It's such an incredible line-up and I'm going to be there too so it just can't fail."

Jason Carter, executive producer for live music and events for Radio 1, said: "Radio 1's Big Weekend has the most amazing line-up ever this year and with the extra capacity for 30,000 people, it's going to be a great weekend in Sunderland.

"If you can't make it, the live music will be on Radio 1 across the two days."

Chris Alexander, head of culture and tourism for Sunderland City Council, said: "We are delighted that Radio 1 has chosen Sunderland for its Big Weekend and we are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone.

"This event will give a tremendous boost to Sunderland's national and international profile and further promote the city's growing new music scene.

"The city has an excellent reputation for hosting major events and Herrington Country Park will provide the perfect setting."

In the spotlight

* Line-up for Saturday, May 7, from 1pm:

Main stage - Foo Fighters, Chemical Brothers, Kasabian, Natalie Imbruglia, Athlete, Rooster, KT Tunstall, Battle. Second stage - Mauro Picotto, Dave Pearce, Pete Tong, Judge Jules, Fergie, Jon O'Bir, Shapeshifters, Rhythm Boys, Trophy Twins.

* Line-up for Sunday, May 8, from 12.30pm:

Main stage - Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani, Basement Jaxx, Jamiroquai, Kaiser Chiefs, Lemar, The Bravery. Second stage - Futureheads, Do Me Bad Things, Interpol, Magic Numbers, Maximo Park, The Subways.