THE FORUM CELEBRATES IN STYLE!
The Millennium Forum celebrated in style over the weekend to mark its 25th anniversary. On Friday evening, invited guests enjoyed a lavish gala ball with fabulous community entertainment alongside Forum staff and Board Members of the Derry Theatre Trust. On Saturday, the Forum opened its doors to the public for a free Open Day which gave people the unique opportunity to go backstage during an afternoon of sold out ‘Access All Areas’ tours.
David McLaughlin, Chief Executive, commenting at the Gala Ball, said:
“Back in 1996 we set out in earnest on the wonderful journey that takes us to where we happily find ourselves today. Our mission was to build a theatre at no cost to the ratepayer and subsequently run it at no additional cost. Standing here this evening, I am so proud of the fact that we succeeded not only in building an outstanding multi-purpose, cultural jewel at no cost to our citizens, but one which is now running at some 75% of the cost of Council cultural facilities back in the late 1990s. A remarkable feat, given the cost of living and energy costs in particular that we find ourselves immersed in today.
In our 25 years we have entertained, educated, encouraged and empowered over seven million people. In a city with a population of just over 110,000, it is an amazing figure and rightly demonstrates our position as the regional cultural venue of choice for those throughout the North West. Annually, we generate over £24 million back into the local economy, a fantastic return on the statutory bodies' investment and foresight.”
He added:
“To Derry and Strabane Council and the Arts Council, your funding makes up around 8% of our total income. We earn the rest ourselves. But that 8% is beyond crucial as it helps us lay the firm foundations of each year's operations. It keeps our doors open, our community programmes running and our ticket prices within reach of the people who need and want this theatre most.
We are deeply grateful and we do not take a single penny for granted.
To all our sponsors and corporate partners thank you, your crucial and welcome support, not only from a financial perspective but also as a strengthening of our belief and an encouragement in what we do, is right.”
Since its opening in 2001, the Forum has been at the forefront of the Arts in the North West and has made a significant impact on the city and region, both culturally and economically, through a varied annual programme of events, an award-winning Access programme and a forever inspiring Education & Outreach offering.
The theatre welcomes in excess of 320,000 visitors annually and its Christmas pantomime entertains over 30,000 local children and their families each year during the festive season, cementing the theatre in the hearts and shared experiences of local inhabitants and visitors. Throughout the past 25 years, local audiences have enjoyed a host of world class artists that have included Van Morrison, Snow Patrol, Don McLean, Billy Connolly, Bryan Adams, Girls Aloud, The Undertones, Jools Holland, Imelda May, Billy Ocean, Christy Moore, Jamie Cullum, along with West End shows Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Miss Saigon, We Will Rock You, Blood Brothers and Dirty Dancing, establishing the theatre as the leading cultural venue for the North West region.
Over the years, the Millennium Forum has been leading the way in terms of accessibility in the Arts for a number of years. The Forum was the first theatre in Ireland to hold a Relaxed Performance of its Pantomime in 2013 followed by a dementia friendly performance in 2015. In addition, the theatre has been recognised as a centre of excellence in providing accessibility by winning the Change A Little Change A Lot and the Arts & Disability Equality Charter awards. It also won Dementia Friendly Organisation of the Year 2017/2018, Makaton Friendly Theatre of the Year 2023 and the Arts & Business NI Commitment To Diversity Award 2023.
The Forum has also been hugely instrumental in shaping the lives of the city and region’s young people via an award-winning Education & Outreach programme; the annual youth musical and Interact Festival offer free training and experiences for participants, many of whom have gone on to successful careers within the Arts and Entertainment industry.
A regular winner at the North West Business Awards, the Millennium Forum has enjoyed unprecedented success, having won the prestigious, Business Of The Year Award, on a number of occasions, first in 2010 and again, in 2024.
As the 25th anniversary celebrations continue throughout the remainder of the year with four sold out acoustic Snow Patrol shows as well as the World Premiere of a brand new stage production, The Body Of Bobby, staff and Board look forward to the next 25. The future of the Forum is bright!
For more pics: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD4eop
ENDS