NEWCASTLE — On August 15, 200 protesters, mostly of high-school age, rallied in Civic Park before marching into the Town Hall chanting "save the Loft". They were protesting against the Newcastle City Council's attempt to cut costs by reducing services at the Loft, a youth music event and rehearsal space which has been placed "under review" by the council. The protesters were given assurances from Lord Mayor John Tate that the Loft was not under threat of being axed. Newcastle has few dedicated youth venues other than the Loft.
Photo by Esther La Rovere