TedX Logo. Pic: Matthew McLaughlin

Bill Gates, Stephen Hawking and Bill Clinton are just a few names to have graced the TED stage, now TEDxYouth is coming to Croydon aiming to inspire the next generation.

TED conferences bring together speakers from technology, entertainment and design backgrounds to talk to a global audience. TEDxYouth is an independent, non-profit franchise that provides a “TED-like event” within small communities.

Offering a platform to younger performers and speakers, TEDxYouth serves as a source of motivation to future generations.

The organisers said: “2011 saw the London riots erupt onto the streets of London. In light of these events, we believe that TEDxYouthCroydon will shed a positive light on the young people of Croydon, who felt they were not being heard.”

“We aim to give them back their voice and celebrate all that’s great about the borough of Croydon and London.”

The event features 11 speakers and performers including the Olivier award-winning dance group, Blue Boy Entertainment, who choreographed routines for the London 2012 Olympics and Ismael Musoke, who was crowned Young Leader of the Year by Citizens UK.

On speaking at the event Musoke said: “As a Croydonite this is the perfect opportunity to give back to the young people in my hometown and help them realise that we can make a difference… Too often as young people we follow the status quo and hold back on going for what we want to achieve.”

TedxYouthCroydon is part of TedxYouthDay that takes place in over 100 countries with 17 thousand young people taking part. The theme for the event is “Worlds Imagined” and coincides with Universal Children’s Day.

Tickets are on sale here and start from £15.