Young people from across Cumbria are being invited to have their say on the things that matter to them, from university fees to knife crime, at a debating event hosted by ITV Border’s Ian Payne.

The Big Fixture, which is coming to Carlisle next month, will give young people aged 16 to 25 across the country the chance to discuss and debate any issues that they feel strongly about.

Organisers ITV Fixers are teaming up with colleges, universities and schools to hold nine Big Fixture roadshow events across the country.

The Big Fixture in Carlisle will take place on December 7, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, at Trinity School, Strand Road.

As well as debates and discussions, the day will feature live entertainment with a message from local performers.

Video filmed on the day will be included in the promo for the ITV Fixers viral Christmas song, a collaboration by young artists from all parts of England.

Participants will also be invited to take part in a live survey, which will build up a city-by-city picture of the most burning issues bothering young people.

ITV Fixers, with vinspired.com, challenges people between the ages of 16 and 25 to do something positive about issues they care about and make a difference in their own community.

What they choose to do is up to them, as long as it benefits at least one other person.

Margo Horsley, executive producer for ITV Fixers with vinspired.com, said: “We want all sorts of young people to take part in our Big Fixtures - you don’t need any special qualifications, just an interest in how to make things work better for young people.

”Too often the real voices of young adults are overlooked or interpreted to fit whatever is on the political agenda.

”But the Big Fixtures will put 16 to 25-year-olds face-to-face with, and on an equal footing with, influential people and together they will tackle the big issues affecting young people in and around Carlisle and the whole country.

”Taking inspiration from what fixers have already achieved locally, I think fixers are going to sort this country out, one fix at a time!”

Terry Ryall, chief executive officer of youth volunteering charity v, added: “We are delighted to be supporting ITV Fixers which gives a high media profile platform to young people’s views, ideas and projects.

”The campaign is innovative in the way it taps into the things young people care about and the media they feel confident using.

”ITV Fixers is helping them develop valuable skills, while transforming their communities and improving understanding between older and younger generations.”

To pre-book free tickets for the Big Fixture email talk2me@itvfixers.com and put Carlisle as the subject line.

ITV Fixers with vinspired.com is a project of the Public Service Broadcasting Trust, and is supported by v, the national young volunteers service, the Cabinet Office and ITV.