On 16th July Roots returns to Electric Daisy for a hands-on marketplace of ideas, skills and possibilities. From 5-8pm, young people who are preparing for life after exams will be able to explore careers, education and training.

Whether listening to a talk, chatting to a local expert, or simply listening in, there will be a range of ways to find out about the support and opportunities available for planning their next chapter.

There will also be the chance to flex their creativity with activities like screen printing, gardening and DJing – highlighting some of the many different pathways open to Derby’s young people. Electric Daisy’s pizza kitchen will be in action, with soft drinks and live music creating a relaxed space for discovering exciting futures.

Roots has been developed by the team behind Derby City Council's Derby Promise, a programme focused on making sure all children and young people across the city have access to enriching experiences, along with the support and opportunities necessary to dream big.

Many Derby Promise partners and businesses will be at the event, from smaller local employers to national organisations based in Derby. They bring together an exciting and diverse range of sectors including culture, AI and digital media, STEM, nuclear rail, creative industries and much more – all providing opportunities across Derby.

Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, explained:

Roots is about possibility, which is at the core of the Derby Promise. It’s about building confidence, developing skills and encouraging Derby’s young people to explore their interests. We want them to discover the fantastic opportunities available to them locally, along with skills and careers they may not have considered before.

Importantly, there's no pressure to have everything figured out – young people and their parents and carers can stop by to ask questions, try new activities, or simply listen to the talks in an informal, friendly space.

Entry is free, but book a ticket to guarantee a space (parent/carers are not required to book a ticket, just come along with your young person).

To learn more about the Derby Promise, including the calendar of events and resources for schools, head to the website.