THE biggest event in the youth calendar kicks off in grand style this weekend.

Full details of Celebration of Youth 2001 (COY2001) will be available in the old fish market at Golden Square shopping centre on Saturday, May 5.

And a taster of what the grand event has in store will be showcased on the day with a variety of displays and performances between noon and 3pm.

Gym displays and music from local bands will help the launch go with a real bang.

The official COY2001 event, which takes place in July, is a showcase of the talents of the town's young people and will feature young people who are potential popstars, film stars and sports stars.

And the launch will give every youngster in town the chance to get involved as entry forms for the host of talent competitions, which also include arts and crafts, fashion design and playwriting, will be available.

Organiser Kelly Simcock said: "This will the opportunity for young people to get all the information on COY at their fingertips.

"Those involved in the launch will be the young people who are organising the event, so young people visiting will find it easy to communicate with them and to find out all the information.

"Everyone is invited. Come along and join in, it will be great fun."