A THREATENED train strike is threatening to derail the region’s first big stadium rock gig of the year.

Fans of the Foo Fighters, who are due to perform at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on Bank Holiday Monday, look set to be hit if the national 24-hour rail strike called by members of the rail unions goes ahead.

Members of the RMT and TSSA unions are due to walk out at 5pm if the dispute over pay and job guarantees is not settled during last-minute talks over the weekend.

Today (Wednesday), the Tyne and Wear Metro announced it would not be able to run services between Pelaw and South Hylton after 5pm on Monday if the strike goes ahead.

An estimated 50,000 fans are expected to attend the concert by the American rockers, which is not due to finish until about 11pm.

Operators Nexus say they will provide a special direct bus service from Heworth Interchange to the Stadium of Light running at 4pm and 7.30pm and will also lay on a fleet of buses after the show.

Raymond Johnstone, Director of Rail and Infrastructure for Nexus, said: “I am sorry for the inconvenience this strike will cause to our customers.

“Passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance and make alternative travel arrangements if travelling through the area which is affected by the disruption.”

Northumbria Police are also reminding concert goers to plan ahead for next week's gig.

A rail strike in 2012 disrupted fans heading to the Coldplay concert at the Stadium of Light, although a proposed stoppage during that year’s Bruce Springsteen concert at the same venue was called off at the 11th hour.