A Derry-based dance music festival has asked those seeking to attend their upcoming events in the city not to use their phones when on the dancefloor.
Celtronic is an internationally renowned event, and will run at various venues throughout the city from June 27 until July 1.
However, the event organisers have urged those attending the festival to put their phones away when on the dancefloor as they 'can have a negative impact on the atmosphere and can be an invasion of privacy for dancers and performers alike'.
Celtronic said it took the decision after consulting with 'dancers, artists, musicians and venue owners'
"Since we started Celtronic in 2001, there have been countless memorable moments, sets and performances that will stay with us forever. In this time, there have also been many positive developments in music and technology," it stated.
"There is no doubt that electronic music is more popular than ever.
"However, a development in the scene has been the increased use of camera and phone technology on the dancefloor which can have a negative impact on the atmosphere and can be an invasion of privacy for dancers and performers alike.
"Following several months of consultation with dancers, artists, musicians and venue owners, we have decided that, in order to protect the privacy of both those that come to dance and those that come to play at Celtronic 2018, we would appreciate if those attending this year’s festival would put their phones away when on the dancefloor.
"The dancefloor should be a place for dancing where you can be yourself, where dancers of all backgrounds, genders and sexual orientation are free to connect fully to the music and each other without fear of being captured on camera.
"While not a relatively new or unique idea (clubs in mainland Europe have been leading the way on this in recent years), we feel the time is right for a phone free dancefloor policy to be introduced at our festival/events.
"We appreciate that this may be difficult to implement but would ask those that intend to come to this year’s festival to support this initiative."
"This initiative applies to ourselves as promoters and event organisers also."
Celtronic added that its own photographer and videographer 'will not photograph or film the dancefloor' and 'will be tasked with finding alternative methods of documenting the festival'.
"We hope you can join us on a dancefloor in Derry this summer to celebrate 18 years of Celtronic. We’re sure that the lineup that we have assembled for this year’s festival will help create an experience that will last long in the memory of all," the statement added.
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