Nathan ClareGive Us The Night has launched a new t-shirt to refocus the conversation surrounding Ireland’s licensing laws and to help destigmatize what it means to be seen as a raver. This comes at a crucial time given that the Sale of Alcohol Bill which would allow nightclubs to open later will go towards the Cabinet this month.
Give Us The Night has launched a new t-shirt to help alter discussion regarding the negative connotation that is sometimes perceived with being a raver. The term is often met negatively by certain media outlets, authorities, communities and residents, when in reality the general concept and essence of rave or being a raver should be met with content and in a positive light. One that is free of pre-conceived judgement.
We spoke with Give Us The Night representative Michael Reddy about the Ravers at Heart concept, who said ‘The origin of this concept came from a contribution Sunil gave during a Dublin City council meeting, where using ‘The Fruit Market’ (off Capel Street) as an ‘event space’ was being discussed.
Some objections were made by locals on the premise that a ‘rave’ was being planned in the space.
This was not the case, so as Sunil spoke, he refers to the rave scene and how through the locals ‘objections’ our community is being perceived as a negative thing.
As he continued he referred to being a ‘Raver at Heart’ and this self affirming statement resonated deeply with me as often heads within our community struggle to convey who we really are and the positive impact we bring to the Irish cultural scene.’
The clothing was designed by Al Kennington and is printed by Fresh Cuts, with the t-shirts are priced at 35 euros currently, but a 10% discount is available on the site for first-time buyers.
In the case that any additional funds are generated by the t-shirts once initial costs are covered, all excess proceeds will go to Chime. The organisation is known as the national charity for deaf and hard of hearing people, who specialise in caring and supporting those living with tinnitus.
If you’re interested in purchasing a Raver at Heart t-shirt, you can do so here.
Photo credits: Web cover by Ben Anselmi and up-close shots by Matador Media.