IT'S a chance for youngsters to experience God as never before!

More than 100 teenagers from Petersfield to the Isle of Wight have signed up for a 'Carnival of Prayer' event next Friday (February 21) in Portsmouth's Anglican cathedral.

Youngsters from school year 7 and above from churches across Portsmouth's Anglican diocese will discover in a series of workshops and a worship session more about how they can make a difference in the world.

The carnival theme means they can take part in workshops on carnival craft, drama, dance steps and drumming. They will then put what they have learnt into practice in a vibrant worship time that will include  African-style drumming, video projections and other multi-media elements.

The event will start at 7.30pm and end at around 11pm. Each youngster will be able to sign up for two separate workshops during the evening, including sessions on face painting, photography and prayer. Portsmouth-based theatre company Dot to Dot will lead some workshops.

Four of Portsmouth's most senior Anglican priests will be involved in the final act of worship at 10.15pm. The diocese's three Archdeacons and the dean of Portsmouth Cathedral will all be involved in the multi-media service that aims to send the youngsters into the world with a renewed commitment to changing our world for good.

Teenagers have been signing up for the evening via a website - www.carnivalofprayer.org.uk - and giving each other flyers and postcards advertising the event.

The diocese's adviser on youth and children's work, the Rev Karina Green, said: "We think this will be a vibrant night with a great atmosphere. It's designed to appeal to youngsters from all kinds of parishes around the diocese, and their friends who may not call themselves Christians.

"It's great to be able to use some of the radical technology we'll be using to communicate truths that are centuries old."

Tickets for the event will cost £4. Anyone interested in bringing a group of youngsters should ring 023-9282 2053 or e-mail youth(at)portsmouth.anglican.org.