A celebration of youth achievement in Suffolk is being held to give young people a greater voice while showcasing their talents.

The Suffolk Assembly of Youth (SAY) has invited dozens of youth groups from across the county to promote their organisations at University Campus Suffolk in Ipswich on Friday.

Peter Tatchell, the human rights campaigner and a supporter of the British Youth Council, is also scheduled to attend as the guest speaker, inspiring the young delegates to continue their good work.

Event organiser Adam Thorp said: “It’s all about getting young people’s voices heard in Suffolk.

“This is about showcasing youth talent and the different youth groups that already operate across the county. We will get together to raise awareness about the groups and about youth participation in general.”

Mr Thorp said that at least 20 groups from diverse backgrounds including dance, music and charity work, will be running stalls at the event, which runs from 2pm to 4pm.Offshoot Films, a Sudbury-based production company, will also be attending to offer the young delegates advice on how to strengthen their message by using online media and video.

Delegates at previous SAY events had suggested a film-making project to highlight the positives and negatives in their towns and communities. Experts at the event will demonstrate how to use mobile phones and Youtube to produce the films, which Mr Thorp hopes will become an ongoing project continuing the group’s work.

“We don’t want this to be an event that finished and then nothing happens,” said Mr Thorp.

“We want this to be a project that young people can get involved with and continue with into the future.”

SAY will also be raising possibilities for future youth events held at towns across the county offering young people a chance to quiz influential people on matters of importance.

The Youth Question Time events are hoped to give young people a chance to share ideas with the decision makers in their communities, including business leaders and politicians.

For more details about Friday’s event or to get involved with SAY’s other initiatives email Mr Thorp at adam.thorp@suffolk.gov.uk.