TRADE unionists will celebrate the region's cultural diversity at an event this weekend.

The Northern TUC is holding a festival of music and dance on Sunday between 1pm and 4pm at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

The family day will feature music from DIP, Drummed-in and other guests, and there will be dance performances from 4 x 4 and a performance by Chinese Lion Dancers.

Trade union members and ethnic groups from across the region will be addressed by TUC general secretary-elect Brendan Barber.

Mr Barber said: "By ensuring the North is a welcoming region we can help to stop the brain drain to the South-East, build our regional economy and make sure that our prosperity as a whole goes up.

"In seeking to achieve this we must recognise the value that cultural diversity can bring."

TUC Regional Secretary Kevin Rowan said: "The North of England has a reputation for being a welcoming region, where the people and sense of community is stronger than anywhere else in the country.

"With our celebration we are bringing together different groups within the community to celebrate the benefits of cultural diversity.

"Sunderland AFC has been a terrific partner in this event and its enthusiasm and support shows its commitment to equality and the role sport can play in the community.''

Sunderland AFC chief executive Hugh Roberts said the club hoped to play a "valuable role" in bringing together people of different cultures and backgrounds.

Doors open at noon and admission is free.