The line-up features the Chemical Brothers

Thousands of free tickets have been snapped up for Radio 1's Big Weekend, at Herrington Country Park, Sunderland, on 7 and 8 May.

The line-up includes international names such as the Foo Fighters and Chemical Brothers alongside local bands like The Futureheads and Maximo Park.

It is hoped it will put the site on the map as a venue for future events.

Sunderland City Council head of culture and tourism Chris Alexander said: "We were fortunate to have recently completed the transformation of a former open cast site into a stunning country park in an ideal location right at the heart of the city.

Ticket giveaway

"Radio 1's Big Weekend will significantly raise the profile of Herrington Country Park nationally and internationally and establish the site as a major new venue for music festivals and outdoor events."

Demand for tickets for the event meant a huge crowd turned up as free tickets were handed out in Sunderland last weekend and organisers started giving them out early.

The council said research at the giveaway showed half of the tickets were taken by people from Sunderland.