A NORTH-EAST university celebrates big band music tomorrow.

More than 350 musicians from across the UK will gather for the third annual "Big Sunday" Jazz Festival at Sunderland University's St Peter's Campus, at Manor Quay, overlooking the River Wear.

The day-long celebration of big band jazz will see musicians from 17 big bands competing for the Festival Trophy.

This will be followed by an evening concert featuring world-renowned jazz trumpet player Steve Waterman.

Steve is professor of Jazz Trumpet at The Royal Academy of Music. He has written a piece specifically for the festival, called Up Against It. Steve's piece, performed with Voice of the North, will open the evening concert.

The festival runs from 11am to 6.30pm, and the evening concert starts at 7.30pm. Food and a licensed bar are available all day. Tickets cost £8 (concessions £5), from 0191-553 2001 or 0191-515 3659.