A radio station launched during the coronavirus pandemic to keep people entertained is to stage a 24-hour fundraiser to help keep it going.
Harbourside Radio, a community station in Warrenpoint, Co Down, will live-stream a day-long radiothon to encourage people to donate much-needed funds.
The station was established in July in a bid to promote the talent of the local area as well as provide a shared community space.
It has been broadcasting continuously online with a range of different programmes including country music, traditional Irish sessions and a quiz show.
It also hopes its studios can become a centre for arts and entertainment in the south Down area, offering community events, cultural nights and workshops as well as providing young people with industry training and opportunities to get involved in music and production.
But those behind the station say it "can only be achieved with the help of the local community".
Presenter Mark Hughes, who has made appearances on Sky One's King of the Nerds and the Channel 4 quiz show Fifteen to One, said they have launched a GoFund Me page.
"Harbourside Radio means so much to the people who are running it and to the wider community of devoted listeners," he said.
"We started in the middle of the pandemic back in July 2020 with a mission to bring in local talent and keep people entertained during these difficult times.
"Now that further lockdown restrictions have been imposed and it’s put a strain on our station, we’re looking for alternative ways to fund ourselves."
Mr Hughes will take to the airwaves on February 20 from 7am and be joined by other hosts throughout the day.
"We’ll also bring in local talent to perform from our studios - all in a socially distanced and safe manner of course.
"We’ll livestream all the fun on our Facebook page so people can see how I’m holding up during the day. I’m really looking forward to it."
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/keep-harbourside-radio-on-the-air
