The international spotlight will be on Sydney in July 15 - 20, 2008 when over 500,000 people will be attending World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08).

A major component to the event is the Youth Festival, where organisers are calling all Australian entertainers and artists to apply before the deadline of 26 October 2007.

Applications can be made online at www.wyd2008.org , where the latest DVD about the Youth Festival is featured. The music in the DVD is from a youth festival applicant, comedy act "Popple" from the USA.

"We have received some great entries so far, but want to make sure that all of that rare Australian talent is showcased at World Youth Day," said Claire Atkins, Youth Festival Manager.

"We are looking for all unique Australian artists, especially in the categories of short film, music and theatre," she said.

The three-day Youth Festival takes place on 16, 17 and 18 July and will feature music, performing arts, visual art exhibitions, debate, film, forums, conversations, community gatherings, street performers, workshops and a vocations expo.

WYD08 will bring more people to Sydney than the 2000 Olympics, in a celebration of Catholic community and Christian values. WYD08 is organised by the Catholic Church, but open to all.

Some of the acts expected to appear at World Youth Day include Bronx-based rapper/preacher Father Stan Fortuna and Australian band Portico 77, both of whom performed at a special one-off show outside St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney in early 2007.

WYD08 will also mark the first visit by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.

Only 284 days to go to WYD08!