NEWCASTLE Community Cinema has said it is dismayed its premises were targeted during its celebration of Pride Month. The community cinema added that earlier this month a Pride flag and bunting were removed and graffiti sprayed on the wall of the cinema. The PSNI has said the incident is being treated as a hate crime.
“In the early hours of Friday 4 August, Newcastle Community Cinema was targeted by anti-LGBTQ+ youths who were attending a religious retreat in the area,” a statement from the local community cinema said. “The youths removed the Pride flag and bunting and spray-painted a slogan indicative of their anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs on the wall. “The PSNI apprehended the youths later in the day and issued each of them with a Community Resolution Notice. “The youths wrote letters of apology to NCC expressing their regret at the theft and defacement, and the group’s leader also apologised on their behalf.”
The community cinema explained that this year it marked Pride Month with a screening of Blue Jean, a film with a LGBTQ+ theme, and by installing a rainbow flag and bunting. “NCC is dismayed by this attack on its celebration of Pride, but is satisfied with the PSNI’s swift action. “NCC is seeking compensation for the damage caused and refurbishment from the group.” The statement concluded that Newcastle Community Cinema is looking forward to celebrating Pride Month again in 2024.
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police received a report of criminal damage at a property on the Main Street area of Newcastle on Friday 4th August. “At around 4am, it was reported that graffiti was sprayed on a building, as well as a flag removed. “Following police enquiries, four young people and an 18-year-old male were later identified. “All were dealt with by way of Community Resolution Notices. “The incident is being treated as a hate crime.”