The festival, due to start on August 22, is being organised by Stockton Borough Council with the aim of publicising the River Tees' world-class facilities, activities, wildlife and history.

It will all begin with a flotilla of watercraft and boats taking to the Tees, but a week long programme of events, including free watersports sessions, will be held along the riverbank.

Among the attractions will be a demonstration of giant wall-on-water balls, which are like hamster wheels which people can use on the river yet stay dry.