THE Live 8 concert has eclipsed a pop event scheduled to take place in the North-East on the same day.

Organisers have pulled the plug on The Sunderland Pops 05, which was due to feature Will Young, Gabrielle, Beverley Knight and Paul Carrack on Saturday, July 2, because it is believed it would have been overshadowed by the Bob Geldof extravaganza.

The Sunderland Pops 05 was to have been staged at Cliffe Park, in Seaburn.

Organisers CMP Entertainment tried to reschedule the event, but because of differing artist itineraries no alternative dates were available.

Chas Cole, of CMP Entertainment, said: "We apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment caused and hope all artists will be available next year, but considering the announcement of Live 8 everyone involved felt it wasn't appropriate to go ahead on the day."

Ticket holders are advised to return to where they bought them for a refund.