Swifts are remarkable birds capable of flying continuously for up to three years! Believe it or not they eat on the wing, drink on the wing and sleep on the wing! They are masters of the air and flight. Anyone who visits the Crescent Arts Centre in fine weather between May and early August may be treated to the sight of the birds dashing on scimitar like wings around the building screaming loudly as they go.

Peter Cush, Senior Scientific Officer at the Biodiversity Unit of the NIEA, has been working with us to provide dedicated housing for the swifts when they return, so their generations-long tenure at the Crescent is not disturbed by the refurbishment work. Read his comments on the swifts in our news archive.

To help us meet the cost of refurbishing the Crescent, we'll display a plaque in reception to recognise donors (if you choose to donate in your own name) giving £100 or more towards our swift boxes.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor: The Crescent Arts Centre gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.