AROUND 50,000 music lovers are expected to attend a major music event announced today.

Top pop acts A1, Feeder and The Honeyz have been confirmed for the 20-strong bill at the Feel The Noise Live event at Newcastle Racecourse on Sunday, August 26.

The announcement comes only days after the city's Love Parade festival was cancelled because of safety fears.

Organisers Metro Radio expect to announce further acts in the coming days, as its sister station TFM continues the final preparations for its own Feel The Noise concert in Stockton on July 29.

Tickets have already gone on sale at Nexus Travelshop outlets across the region and are priced at only £2.

The gates open at 10am, with the first act taking to the stage at around 1pm. The five-hour show will finish at around 6pm.

A donation from every ticket sold will be made to Metro Radio's charity appeal, Just For Kids, which provides help for local children across the region.

The event has received backing from Newcastle City Council, which is helping with infrastructure and support. A public entertainment licence has already been granted.

Sponsors Nat West, the city council and Nexus have teamed up to ensure anyone with a valid event ticket can travel free of charge on all Metro services all day.

Shuttle buses will operate from Four Lane Ends and Regent Centre Metro stations between 9.30am and 7.30pm. Concert goers will be taken directly to the racecourse.

Metro Radio's managing director Sally Aithchison said: "Feel The Noise Live will be the first time a concert like this has been staged in the North-East.

"It will be a unique and fantastic opportunity for local people to see some of the world's top pop acts together on one stage. This is going to be the biggest and best concert ever staged on Tyneside."

Councillor Tony Flynn, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: "This will be a great event for young people - not only because of fantastic music lined up for the day, but because of the valuable contribution it will make to the Just For Kids charity."

A ticket and travel information line is available on 0870 6082608.

Updated: 15.05 Wednesday, July 18