SOME of the hottest names in pop, including the planet's biggest boy band, JLS, are coming to the North-East this summer for a musical extravaganza.

The Northern Echo: JLS

The gig will be staged at the home of Sunderland Football Club and includes The Wanted and Rita Ora and Conor Maynard.

Little Mix, Lawson, Stooshe, Union J and Amelia Lily are also among the acts lined up to play North East Live at the Stadium of Light on June 22.

The Northern Echo: Little Mix

Sunderland commercial director Gary Hutchinson said: “This is a change from the type of music event the Stadium of Light has staged previously and it’s a really exciting development for us.

“It’s a brilliant line-up and one that I’m sure will appeal to a wide audience.”

The family-friendly, five-hour music feast, designed to suit music fans of all ages, caps off a month of live gigs at the Stadium of Light, following on from the visits of Bon Jovi and Rihanna.

With five acts currently in the official top 40 charts in the line-up, the set includes two with North-East connections, Little Mix and Amelia Lily.

Mr Hutchinson said: “We’re delighted to be working with AEG on this event and to be playing a key role in bringing the best music events to the North-East as well as showcasing our own regional talent.

“We’ve already seen that there is a huge demand for live music here in the region and this multi-artist event has something for everyone, at an affordable price for a great day’s entertainment.”

Doors open from 1pm with a funfair, family activities and music, with the main show starting at 2.30pm.

Rob Hallet, president of touring at AEG Live, said: “‘Sunderland AFC have proved to be fantastic pro-active partners and I look forward to working with them for many years to come.

The Northern Echo: Rita Ora

“We hope North East Live will become a permanent fixture in the Stadium of Light calendar.”

Tickets cost £25-£65 and go on sale at 9am on Friday, February 8.

They can be booked by calling 08448-244-824 or logging on to www.aeglive.co.uk