International Youth Day celebrations held at Northampton’s Racecourse this month

Northampton’s Youth Forum is inviting local young people to a free event at Northampton Racecourse on Friday 12 August in celebration of International Youth Day.

A range of information and advice, entertainment and activities will be available throughout the day, as the Youth Forum promotes this year’s theme of Intergenerational solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages.

Activities and discussions will take place between midday and 4pm, giving attendees the chance to get involved in a range of events including three by three basketball, outdoor games and a ‘Lemon Pop,' or creative self-development, workshop.

The Youth Forum will also take over West Northants’ Council’s social media channels on the day so they will be putting out content and key messages throughout proceedings.

The event will also offer the opportunity for discussions around creating a Youth Parliament for West Northamptonshire with proposals explored as to how exactly young people across the area can have a voice in deciding what they want to see and happen in the town. Further Youth Parliament engagement sessions with take place at Daventry Council Chamber on Monday 15 August and at Towcester Council Chamber on Tuesday 16 August between 10 and 2pm.

Local organisations such as Free 2 Talk, Northants Police, Northampton Association of Youth Clubs, Lowdown, CIRV and the Northampton Basketball Association will also be on hand to provide information and advice about education, careers, health, drugs and alcohol and personal safety.

“International Youth Days are held across the globe and are designed to empower young people to participate in public life so that they are prepared and equipped to contribute to society.

“This year’s theme is ‘Intergenerational solidarity’ so we will be trying to provide opportunities for young people to have conversations/skill swap with people from older generations during the event with a human library courtesy of ‘The Northamptonshire Black History Association’.

“This year we have also focused on working with partners to provide a safe space for our local young people to come together and engage in a range of activities related to their diverse needs and interests. And we encourage everyone to come along and take part in the day.”Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Engagement, and Regulatory Services

Endorsed by the United Nations in 1999 after a recommendation was made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, the first International Youth Day took place in the summer of 2000.