A YOUTH festival featuring more than 30 different events is being held during half-term to inspire teenagers and possibly introduce them to a future career.

Boro Buzz, now in its sixth year, is taking over venues across Middlesbrough from Monday until November 5 for youngsters aged from 13 to 19.

The packed programme includes an all-day Comedy Workshop on October 27, when wisecrackers can find out how funny they really are by learning from professional comedians.

Talent scouts will be on the look out for future sports stars at Olympic Factor, on Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29. A Fresh Talent Show will be held on November 1, and beginners' ballet on November 3.

The festival comes months before work finishes on transforming a derelict mansion into a £4.3m youth centre to be used by up 9,000 teenagers a year in the town.

The Custom House, in the regenerated St Hilda's area, is being turned into a myplace - a £270m Government programme to create world-class youth facilities all over the country - delivered by the Big Lottery Fund.

More than 800 teenagers were consulted on plans for the Grade II-listed building, which will include a performance and dance hall, cafe, chill-out space, creche, climbing wall, media studio, interactive library, music facilities and a gym. Outside, there will be a multi-use sports pitch, allotments and wildlife gardens.

It is due to open in spring next year, when the future of several youth and community centres will be decided. They are earmarked for closure under Middlesbrough Council's plans to save 13.8m in the 2012-2013 financial year.

Boro Buzz festival organiser, John-Robert Bowes, said a band night for young local musicians called Amplified, to be held on Friday, October 28, could be turned into a monthly event.

"One of the main aims of Boro Buzz is to boost confidence and raise aspirations, " he added. "Lighting operator and sound production workshops are being held on October 27 at Middlesbrough Town Hall teaching the skills necessary to run the lighting and sound system for a live gig, a team will then be chosen to run the sound system at a Boro Buzz event which could given them an insight into a future career."

For more information, visit. borobuzz.co.uk or call 01642-729086, bookings are being taken at Middlesbrough Town Hall, Albert Road, Middlesbrough.