One Irish band are planning a Christmas party with a difference. Autoban are staging a Mad Hatter’s Ball at Dublin’s Academy 2 on December 5th to raise money for the recording of their new EP.

As the event’s title suggests, a form of headgear is essential, and the “power- indie” trio will perform a live set supported by DJs from the No Disko club.

Frontman Darren Hardiman said the band wants to liven up Dublin's gig-going crowd. "We thought we should make it as fun a night out as possible for the people who come along, rather than a stand-with-your- pint-in-the-corner headline gig," he told The Ticket.

“I always find that people tend to enjoy club nights more when there’s a DJ playing songs they know, and for us, as a band, that atmosphere is hard to create. Even though our music is quite danceable, we’re not that well known. Plus, a club full of people wearing all sorts of hats can only enhance a night out.”

Tickets from Ticketmaster.