NEWTON ABBOT was awash with colour last weekend as a fancy dress-themed march to save the Alexandra Theatre drew applause from passers-by.

Protestors gathered at Courtenay Park on Saturday to send a clear message to ‘Save Our Theatre’ to Teignbridge Council, who plan to convert much of the building into a food hall.

The plans are part of the district council’s successful bid from the Future High Streets fund.

Already approved plans have won the council more than £9 million in funding from central government. 

A downpour that was forecast for Saturday failed to materialise as more than 100 people marched through the town centre.

A ‘carnival atmosphere’ saw outbursts of applause from shoppers as the march made its way down Queen Street. 

Andrew Malcolm, from the Friends of the Alex Theatre group, helped organise the march.

He said: ‘We were so pleased with the turnout. There was a happy, friendly and positive atmosphere. We had a really good turnout, even despite the pingdemic.’

Andrew explained that the entire town seemed to be onboard with the cause when they took to the streets. 

He added: ‘The weather was perfect too, it added to the carnival atmosphere. It was all very friendly and I know we got our message across... lots of people took notice. 

Teignbridge Council have repeatedly said they are unable to look at any single part of the plans to redevelop the town centre ‘in isolation.’ A claim that campaigners say is not true. 

Campaigners have suggested an improved arts space to draw a range of performers to the town.

 Under the plans approved by Teignbridge Council, a space for performances would be dramatically reduced, which campaigners claim, is a missed opportunity to put Newton Abbot on the map for touring artists.