​Get lost in a whirlwind of fun and games when taking part in this year’s Canterbury-Bankstown Youth Week festivities.

Thousands of youth are set to celebrate this year’s theme “Get involved, be heard, make a difference,” when they take part in a featured event of Youth Week, YouthFest, which will take place on Saturday 8 April at Paul Keating Park from 12-5pm.

Highlights will include a carnival of rides, outdoor laser tag, an obstacle course, sporting activities, street art, a giant maze and more.

Locals will also be spoilt for choice with the entertainment line-up including singersongwriter, Johnny Ruffo, X Factor finalists, BEATZ, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Western Sydney Wanderers and DJs taking to the stage throughout the day.

Ruffo said he was looking forward to the Canterbury-Bankstown Youth Week festivities.

“Celebrating teenagers is very important because they’re our future. They need as much encouragement as possible from the community to continue to strive and fulfil their goals,” the former Home and Away star said.

“I’m excited to meet new people, hear their stories and watch other talented performers.”

City of Canterbury Bankstown Administrator, Richard Colley, said Youth Week was always a blast for youths in the local community.

“We had a great buzz from the community and youth at last year’s former Canterbury and Bankstown events. Now that we are one Council, we know Youth Week will explode across the City even more,” Mr Colley said.

“While the aim is to have fun and embrace our local youth, it’s also a chance to celebrate and educate locals on the various youth services available to them in the community.”

From Friday 31 March to Saturday 8 April, teenagers between the ages of 12-24 are invited to participate in the city-wide events, which include a Youth Talent Quest, The Amazing Race, Henna art, a Touch Footy competition, a Skate Night, a Belmore Block Party, a Graffiti Master Class, and more.

For more information on this year’s Youth Week festivities, go to cb.city/youthweek