Events cancelled and university closed over unrest

Events have been cancelled and businesses closed due to fears of disorder and violence.

The Sunderland Empire said it had cancelled performances of The Wizard of Oz due to "the possibility of disruption".

Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon said the local authority had cancelled some of its Pride events due to be held the weekend.

The University of Sunderland has emailed staff to say all campus buildings would close at 17:00 BST on Wednesday.

Mr Gannon said postponing events was not a decision that was taken "lightly".

"We will continue to work with police and our partners across the region to ensure everyone can enjoy our town centre safely this weekend," he said.

The theatre said it still planned shows on Thursday.

"We understand customers may have concerns about attending later this week but please be assured we have comprehensive plans in place to ensure our guests' safety," a spokesperson said.

Newcastle Theatre Royal also cancelled its evening performance of Come From Away due to the possibility of disruption on the city.

All further performances, a spokesperson said, were planned to go ahead as scheduled.

Business support organisation Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) said it was worried protests and riots would put people off coming into the city, damaging small businesses.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said she was meeting community and faith leaders, and businesses, to assure them their concerns were being heard.

She called for those "feeling scared, angry and upset" to act with "peace and kindness".

Sunderland University said its teaching buildings, libraries and prayer facility were also closed and law firm Sweeney Miller said it was closing its office in the city early.

Middlesbrough’s Mela Festival, due to take place on 17 and 18 August, has also been postponed.

The festival organiser said: "Due to this volatile climate and degree of uncertainty, we believe it is prudent to postpone this year’s festival in order to safeguard the public."

Meanwhile, North Tyneside Council said reports on social media about planned protests in the area were false.

It said parks, libraries, leisure centres and council offices would remain open.

Businesses and charities which work with migrants have also said they are temporarily closing for fear of being targeted.

Sharon Appleby, CEO of Sunderland BID, said the unrest and riots could have a lasting effect on businesses if people stop going into the city.

"The issue for me is around footfall as it is going to put people off coming in," she said.

"So many of us have not experienced any of this before.

"People are really determined to not let this ruin what they have worked really hard for and what they work really hard for every day.

"We are working with businesses to say, 'We are open. Please come back'."

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