Four hundreds of years it has been a weekend when the city of Norwich explodes into life.

Eastern Daily Press: Culture Works East is helping young people develop their creative skills and find a way into work, training and educationCulture Works East is helping young people develop their creative skills and find a way into work, training and education (Image: Archant)

And for this year's Lord Mayor's Celebration, the Chantry car park will be transformed into a 'launch pad' for creative youngsters to develop their talents.

Led by youth arts organisation Culture Works East in conjunction with Norwich City Council, the Lord Mayor's Launch Pad is a free event throughout Saturday, July 2, for eight to 16-year-olds to get real hands on experience of the creative industries.

With a Silent Disco in the evening, from 12noon to 8pm industry professionals will be leading tasters and workshops in various creative arts - from comic art and animation to silent movie making and dance.

Elli Chapman, Artistic Director for Culture Works East & Launch Pad Programmer said: 'The Culture Works East team love Norwich. It is a fine city, with a great deal to offer children and young people. We've got the amazing Culture Works East delivery team and invited our industry-leading friends to give a helping hand so that participants and their families not only have a great time trying out lots of different activities but leave with information about all the things Norwich and the creative industries have to offer. Everything from things they can do in there free time with youth and arts organisations to opportunities at local colleges – tangible routes to continue their creative and cultural journey – locally.'

Pre booking for a selection of workshops will be open on 28th May 2016, including a Comic Art Master Class with Beano artist Kev Sutherland, Silent Movie Making with the BFI, and Becoming a Published Writer with international best seller Alexander Gordon Smith.

Joanna van der Meer, Family Learning Programmer, said: 'Our silent movie workshop is the perfect excuse to be silly while learning all about the art and craft of filmmaking and editing. With a props and dressing up box to delve into it'll be like stepping back in time in the funniest way possible.'

Ian Johnson, External Relationships Manager for Access To Music, said: 'Access To Music will be running a workshop where participants will be learning about the different backstage roles at a gig including sound engineering, stage management, artist liaison and tech. ATM are very excited to be involved in this high quality community event with our local partners.'

For more info and a full programme go to www.cultureworkseast.co.uk/launchpad