YORK'S youths take over the Barbican tomorrow for the first Barbican Bash, a new event designed to dispel the myth that there's nothing for young people to do in the city.

The day, organised by the City of York Council, will be in two parts: a sports and activities session called Activate '98 during the day featuring everything from basketball to aromatherapy; followed by a party in the evening hosted by DJ Richard Stead from Minster FM, plus guest acts.

The idea has definitely proved a hit, as most of the 400 tickets for the Activate '98 workshops have gone already. The Bash is aimed at 11-18 year olds, and tickets for either event are £2, or £3 for both.

"The response was incredible - the booking forms were snapped up," said Sam Broomhead from the council's leisure services department."

However, there is plenty of room left at the evening's party in the 800 capacity auditorium, and tickets will be on sale at the door.

The night will feature a disco, performances by fusion street dance company Dance Perfection Associates, along with young singers, musicians and dancers from York, and an appearance by soap star Will Mellors, who plays Jambo in Hollyoaks and is currently launching a singing career.

Paul Chesmore, director of leisure services, said: "The idea came from the youth conference last year. It's a showcase for young people themselves to show what they can do. We have to make sure that what's going on is what young people themselves really want and develop services in consultation with them. That was the idea behind the youth conference. We're also proposing to set up a youth council."

The Barbican Bash ticket hotline is on 01904 553376 or tickets can be bought from York Central Library. Activate '98 runs from 11am to 5pm, and the evening's Live 'N' Direct party is from 7.30pm to 10pm.

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