Rolling protests planned for Ebrington Square

Protest attendance at Ebrington Square on Saturday past.

placeholder image — Protest attendance at Ebrington Square on Saturday past.

Several hundred people attend Saturday's protest

Derry-based protest group 'Your Ebrington' held a second successful protest on Saturday past in Ebrington with several hundred people in attendance.

The event was organised to continue applying pressure on all parties involved in the debacle over events in the Square.

A spokesperson said: "The feeling in Ebrington was electric at the weekend. People from all arts and parts came to contribute to the fight to see all events back the Square. People are remarkably determined to see the management of the Square, and Ebrington generally, in the hands of local government which is ultimately accountable to local people."

Protest attendance at Ebrington Square on Saturday past.

"Ebrington is a safe, shared space. We don't have a lot of those in this city. That's why we're fighting for the site to be handed over to Derry City & Strabane District Council. It's shameful that such a big space isn't being utilised fully even when it comes to massive Council events like the upcoming Halloween celebrations."

"But it's worse than that. Pubs and bars are great for a bit of live music and having a drink but we don't even have a 'nightclub' in this city. No sizeable indoor concert venue. In the absence of all that, we will not allow Ebrington Square, and all the events that it has attracted, to be lost."

"Our night time economy, in particular, as highlighted recently by Caolan 'Cartin' Cartin, Gary Curran and FreeTheNight, is failing to thrive particularly when compared to Belfast. There's a massive opportunity here, not just to make money, but to showcase Derry for what it is - a city with amazing talent & artistry. And to give local people a place and time to enjoy themselves. It's not a lot to ask'.

Your Ebrington protest group will hold it's third protest next Saturday, September 30, at 2pm in Ebrington.

"We've set up a page on Facebook called 'Your Ebrington' so people can keep informed of what's going on and when we're protesting. We aren't going away until this is completely sorted to the satisfaction of the people of this city and district."

"As we said on Saturday, there are two options here. Either we get full ownership of the site with the accountability that comes from it being held solely by local government or it becomes the new venue for holding rolling weekly protests. Whatever is going on in the city, that's where we will protest it."