PERFORMERS and creative artists from around Australia and the world have been invited to participate in the World Youth Day 2008 Youth Festival in Sydney next year.
The three-day festival will take place in the middle of WYD08 week from July 15-20, 2008.
Some of the acts expected to appear will be Bronx based rapper/preacher Fr Stan Fortuna, a Franciscan Friar of Renewal from the US, and Australian band Portico 77 – both of whom performed at a special one-off show outside St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney on April 1.
WYD08 co-ordinator, Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher, said the festival will feature music, performing arts, visual art exhibitions, debate, film, street performers and a vocations expo.
“The Youth Festival will be a perfect way for pilgrims to share their culture and faith,” Bishop Fisher said.
“Performances, debates and exhibitions will reflect the Catholic vision and objectives of WYD08.
“We want young people to create and to appreciate, but above all, to participate.”
Youth Festival activities will be held at venues across the city including parks, playing fields, churches, halls and galleries.
Applications are sought from bands, visual artists, actors, poets, dancers and community groups.
Applications to present, perform or facilitate a Youth Festival activity are available at www.wyd2008.org and close on October 26.
World Youth Day is expected to attract about 500,000 pilgrims to Sydney.
It will also mark the first visit by Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.
