Derry’s Millennium Forum celebrates 25th anniversary with a gala ball and free open day

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.”