A NEW music gig, the Middlehaven Festival, has hit a high note before headline act The Feeling take to the stage, as it is in line to be awarded silver accreditation for its disabled facilities.

It has been praised by the charity Attitude is Everything for providing level boardwalks and wheelchair access, specialist toilets, hoisting and changing facilities, as well as providing a hearing loop along with a sensory ‘chill out’ area and extensive medical services on site.

The open air event in Middlesbrough, on August 23, and featuring 20 bands is spearheaded by neuro, stroke and spinal injury care and rehabilitation specialists Keiro, which already holds the Silver accreditation by the charity for its successful annual Chase Park Festival in Gateshead

Attitude is Everything CEO, Suzanne Bull MBE, said: “When the right facilities, policies and information are in place, live music can be opened up to the 11 million deaf and disabled people living in the UK and transform their lives for the better, so to hold another large event of this kind in the North-East is commendable."

Keiro’s business relationship director, Alistair McDonald, said: “We are avid supporters of Attitude is Everything so to even be considered for the silver accreditation before the launch of the Middlehaven Festival is fantastic.

“With our clients at The Gateway and Chase Park we are committed to ensuring that whatever community event we hold, it is accessible to everyone without barriers or limitation."

The event will be held at Dockside in Middlehaven, Middlesbrough from 11.30am and acts will begin at 12pm. Tickets are available from www.middlehavenfestival.com and are £12 for the general public, £10 for under 18-year-olds, £35 for family tickets - two adults, two children - and two-for-one for those with disabilities and their carers.