A contestant from this year's X-Factor took to the stage at Tauranga Girls' College this afternoon as part of the celebrations for Ara Taiohi Youth Week.

Bethany Stevenson, who will also perform at Papamoa College and Mount Maunganui College this week, was part of the band Fare Thee Well alongside her brother Jared and older sister Laura-Lee.

X-Factor contestant Bethany Stevenson performed at Tauranga Girls' College this afternoon. Photos: Bruce Barnard.

The Rotorua teen's appearances are part of the Tauranga Youth Development Team's inaugural Mobile Youth Expo, which is treating students from five schools to a line-up of activities.

The programme also included entertainment by Merivale Community Centre youth, a spray art performance and basketball demonstrations and shoot-outs.

There was also games, obstacle courses and a sausage sizzle, with students given advice on youth resources and information.

Tauranga Girls' College deputy principal Leone Summerville says: 'It was an absolute delight to have an ambassador for young people like Bethany give such an inspirational performance.

'I'm thrilled at how much our students enjoyed today's activities and I have no doubt this expo made them feel very much appreciated and valued.”

The Tauranga Youth Development Team is a consortium of agencies and services, including Tauranga City Council, working in partnership to promote engagement, safety and wellbeing for young people in Tauranga and the Western Bay.

Jane Denton, from Tauranga City Council Community Development team added; 'The Mobile Youth Expo was a way for us to show young people just how big a role they play in our lives and to demonstrate that they really do matter.”

'It was also a great way to give students information about where they can go to seek advice and guidance, and to showcase the services available to them.”

Ara Taiohi Youth Week runs from May 23-31 and is a nationwide series of events organised by young New Zealanders and people working with youth to celebrate the talents, passion and success of local young people.

For more information, visit: www.arataiohi.org.nz/youthweek