Skip to playerSkip to main contentSkip to footer
  • 03/06/2025
More than 250 people have turned out for a powerful and peaceful protest at Causeway Coast and Glens Council Headquarters this evening, rallying to save the Riverside Theatre from imminent closure.

The vibrant demonstration featured music, dancing, and heartfelt speeches as the local community of all ages came together. The protest drew young Riverside performers to veteran artists as well as the local press and television crews, all standing in solidarity for a venue many describe as the heart of Coleraine’s cultural life.

Organiser Steven Millar was visibly moved by the turnout: “I can’t believe it. I was hoping for a good turn out and I’ve got a great one, there must be well over 250 people and they’re still coming. It’s amazing.”

He continued: “We’re calling for transparency, consultation, and a real plan to keep this vital space open for our community. This is their theatre. It was built with public money. It belongs to the people of this community — not a boardroom.

"We need our councillors and MLAs to speak up loud and clear. Ulster University, you cannot just shut this place down.

"You must come to the table on 15th June and discuss real alternatives. The Riverside has been a stage for creativity, connection, and care for over 40 years.

"If we stay silent, we lose it. If we stand up, we give it a fighting chance.”
Transcript
00:00I like that one!
00:17I like that one!
00:19I like that one!
00:23I like that one!
00:36Go arrest me!
00:39Please, no arrest me!
00:48I think you can see what's here today, the level of support is the Riverside Theatre class here in York.
01:02For us, this is basically called the Riverside Theatre.
01:06We're up here. I've been signing down for the entire family in that stage.
01:10We've got work. Almost everybody here has a lot to do.
01:13It's all here. It's basically a drive-in to the arts.
01:17So we have all theributo and skills for the clients that are getting licensed buy-in.
01:21We have to deal with repairs.
01:24All the financing and haven't tried and taxes.
01:29We're also going to sell the

Recommended