Tyneside Cinema announces closure ahead of Newcastle city centre protests

Tyneside Cinema, on Pilgrim Street in Newcastle city centre, has confirmed that it will be shut on Saturday, August 10, due to planned protests.

Hartlepool, Sunderland and Middlesbrough have already seen demonstrations turn violent in the last few weeks with arrests being made, people charged and convicted in the wake of trouble across the North East.

A planned demonstration is expected to take place in Newcastle tomorrow and businesses are taking precautions ahead of time.

The venue has confirmed that it will reopen on customers on Sunday, August 11.

In an email, the Tyneside Cinema said: “Given the news about potential disruption in the centre of Newcastle and out of a duty of care to our team and our customers, we have taken the decision to close Tyneside Cinema on Saturday 10 August.

“We will reopen the cinema as well as Tyneside Bar Cafe and Vicolo for a full day of film screenings and food and drink service on Sunday 11 August.

“We completely condemn the racist and Islamophobic activity taking place around the UK and want to offer our support to everyone who has been impacted by these dreadful events.

“While we were encouraged by the unity and solidarity on proud display in our wonderful city on Wednesday, we have taken the collective decision to close out of an abundance of caution for the safety and wellbeing of our visitors and dedicated team.

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“If you have any queries about existing cinema bookings or any questions for us about the above, please get in touch at [email protected], or pop in to speak with one of our team here at the cinema on a day on which we are open.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. The safety of our team and our valued guests will always come first, and we hope to welcome you back to the Tyneside very soon.”

The demonstrations in Newcastle are set to take place at Grey’s Monument, with a counter demonstration taking place at 9:30am before a right wing meeting in the early afternoon.

Matches at the Sela Weekender, being hosted at St James’ Park, are still planned to go ahead without any disruption.

Newcastle United have confirmed that there will be extra security measures in place for supporters.