HUMAN slinkies will be entertaining crowds at the new Middlehaven Festival which has announced the line-up for its second stage.

While BRIT-award nominated chart toppers The Feeling will headline the Tees Valley’s first gig with full disabled access, it will also showcase new musical acts and unique performance art.

The open-air event which takes place on Saturday, August 23 in Middlehaven, Middlesbrough, has been organised by care specialists Keiro, which runs the spinal injuries rehabilitation centre next door.

Its second stage will includes music from aspiring Teesside singer/songwriter Ellis Rayner, MC rapper Mr Ajad, Middlesbrough College band Affirmation and alternative acoustic duo Taylor Mayd.

There will also be performances from theatre performer David Mills from Bedlam Oz, Capoirea - a Brazilian martial art dance combination, and quirky human slinky act Slinkies and Mo Ajaal.

The final performance on stage will be a nine foot tall futuristic android, Predatron. Dressed in battle armour and armed with Light- Sabre blades it will unleash weapons such as Co2 Ice Cannon onto the audience.

The event has also been supported by Middlesbrough College, the Thirteen Group, and Middlesbrough Football Club.

The festival is aiming to be awarded silver accreditation for its accessibility by charity Attitude is Everything.

It will include level boardwalks and wheelchair access, specialist toilets, hoisting and changing facilities, hearing loops along with a sensory ‘chill out’ area as well as extensive medical services on site.

The open-air event will be held at Dockside in Middlehaven on August 23, 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.