Big city DJs are getting their 'decks' out for the environment with a special Dance for Nature.
Belfast Window On Wildlife visitor experience manager, Tim McCann, is the man behind the one-off event for RSPB NI this September.
With a background in nightclubs, he has turned to music to shine a light on the plight of declining bird populations in Northern Ireland.
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We recently headed along to Rathlin Island with Tim and some of the DJs involved to see what they are trying to help save.
Tim told us: “About a month or so ago I decided I would like to run a dance event for the environment - it’s called Dance for Nature.
“I’ve managed to bring together 17 local and international DJs who are willing to give up their time for nature and wildlife. We are going to be running the event on September 23 at the Bot in Belfast with all of the proceeds going to nature conservation here in Northern Ireland... particularly the RSPB.
“We all love wildlife... we all love dance music and we all want to make a difference.
“For me, nature has always been something that has guided me in my principles and everything in life. I have always been a very strong environmentalist and I have always loved music... dancing.
“What better way for me to bring two passions of mine together to enjoy myself but also raise some much needed funding for conservation here in Northern Ireland.”
Ryan McMullan, aka RANGA, said it was his first time on Rathlin.
“It’s a pretty cool experience,” he told us in the shadow of the island’s lighthouse.
“Being from Belfast you hear about the puffins and you think Rathlin Island’s got millions of them - but coming today and only seeing a handful makes you understand how endangered they actually are.
“It’s so good to have the opportunity to raise some money for the charity [RSPB] and make situations like this last a bit longer.”
Husband and wife DJ duo Andy and Barbara Irvine will also bring their hit Code 2 tunes for Dance for Nature.
Andy told us during their first trip to Rathlin Island: “He gave us the opportunity to come to the island and see it.
“We’ve never been here before and it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s amazing to see the wildlife... it’s unreal, seeing the puffins.
“The amount of birds you can see here is unreal - but the fact some of them are in such danger - it’s sad.
“But it’s nice that we can do something to help them.”
Barbara described the views on Rathlin as “stunning”. She added: “It’s something different. It makes a change for us [and] it’s been a lovely wee tour.”
Trance DJ and producer, Kevin Perry, also headed to to the island to see what his skills will help conserve.
He told us: “I had a very pleasant sailing and for someone like myself it was good to get out and see this firsthand and the hard work and effort that’s being put in day by day.
“It’s been quite peaceful and tranquil the whole time we’ve been here and it does give the birds a chance to thrive.
“It’s good to take a bit of time away from the hustle bustle of everyday life and realise this is all here for you when you want it. I feel like it’s good for people to get out and be promoting this cause.
“The climate could be going down hill anytime soon so we should actually step out and do something about it.”
Dance for Nature tickets will be going live on Glistrr next week.
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