Under-18s dance nights are returning to the Villa Marina – and young people themselves could find themselves DJing if the new format proves a hit. Young people have, in the past, enjoyed the popular under-18s nights staged by radio station Energy FM. Now 11-17-year-olds have had input into new dance nights being staged as a partnership between the Department of Education and Children’s Youth Service, schools, police officers and the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, which operates the Villa Marina. Youth workers have spoken to young people from secondary schools and youth projects to hear their views on how the dance nights should be organised. The first new-look event takes place on Friday 18th March from 7pm-10.30pm and is open to all young people in school Years 7 to 12. Admission is ?5 and tickets can be bought in advance from the venue or on the night. Jackie Fisher and Martin Macfarlane, Detached Youth Workers with the DEC, said the dance nights would be held in the more intimate Promenade Suite rather than the larger Royal Hall, which would create a different atmosphere. Theme nights are also planned and it’s hoped to have young people DJing alongside more established DJs at future events. Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure, himself a keen DJ over many years, said he was looking forward to getting young people back at the Villa Marina for the dance nights. Future events would see age groups split further, with nights catering for older teenagers as well as younger ones. Noel Quigley, Manager of the Villa Marina, said: ‘I am hoping it will be a great success with lots of agencies working together. We put a lot of effort into organising this event and there are many exciting ideas for future.’ When the night is over, police officers and youth workers will make sure the young people disperse safely and minimise the risk of anti-social behaviour disrupting the surrounding areas. Young people will not be allowed in to the event if they have been drinking alcohol. Police Constable Rob Lewis stated: ‘This is a well organised event and we encourage young people attending to have a good time. However, this can be done without drinking alcohol. Any young person found to be under the influence of alcohol or behaving in an anti-social manner will be dealt with accordingly.’ Ends