Peaceful protest to be staged by supporters of Cannock's Prince of Wales Theatre tonight outside council meeting place

The district council’s cabinet will meet at 6pm today (Thursday, September 4) to consider whether or not to proceed with a community asset transfer of the arts venue.

Cannock Chase Theatre Trust put forward proposals for the future operation of the theatre, which closed in April. But an independent evaluation of Cannock Chase Theatre Trust’s Community Asset Transfer proposal, carried out by Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) on behalf of the council, does not recommend progressing the bid further.

From 5.30pm the trust will be holding a peaceful protest outside the Civic Centre in Beecroft Road, Cannock, where the cabinet meeting will take place. Members of the public will not be able to speak at the meeting but they will be able to observe proceedings.

A spokesperson for Cannock Chase Theatre Trust said: “We will be joining together ahead of the meeting to show the strength of community passion for saving our theatre. We urge anyone who has enjoyed or been part of performances at this vital community facility to attend the meeting or join us as we peacefully demonstrate against losing our theatre forever.

“This is our chance to show decision-makers that the people of Cannock care deeply about protecting our cultural heart. Bring your friends, bring your families, and bring your voices – and banners – to stand together for the theatre.

“We’re not here to cause disruption – we’re here to be heard. This may be our last chance to save the cultural heart of our community.”

Well over 100 arts lovers staged a protest outside the Civic Centre in November 2024 to voice their opposition to the closure of the Prince of Wales Theatre and district’s museum when the proposals were announced at the end of last year. Cannock Chase Council made the controversial decision as part of measures to close a £1.3m budget gap.

A report to this week’s cabinet meeting said: “In February 2025, due to its challenging financial position, council made the extremely difficult decision to close the Prince of Wales Theatre. Understandably this was disappointing to residents, and approaches were made to the council to consider transferring the theatre as a Community Asset Transfer.

“This challenging financial position has largely been driven by reductions in central government support over the years. According to the National Audit Office (NAO), total spending power for local authorities fell by 26 per cent between 2010/11 and 2020/21; spending power funded by the Government fell in real terms by more than 50 per cent on a like-for-like basis between 2010/11 and 2020/21.

“To be able to proceed with a Community Asset Transfer a suitable partner would be required who could develop a robust business plan and approach to running the theatre. The transfer could only proceed if the partner was able to demonstrate they could run a sustainable theatre, with no subsidy from the council, which would benefit the local community.”