An estimated crowd of over 2,000 people has flocked to support the Divine Playhouse in Sydney today.

Attendees gathered for the Divine Peaceful “Sing In” Protest Rally in Hyde Park.

The crowd heard from speakers and sang together in solidarity to protest the closure of The Divine Playhouse after their lease was terminated just 4 days ago.

Divine Playhouse has been at the centre of a rapidly escalating dispute since opening earlier this month inside the long-deconsecrated former St John the Evangelist Church. Originally announced as Unholy Playhouse, organisers changed the venue’s name before opening following concerns raised by some members of the Christian community.

Despite the change, the venue was targeted by conservative Christian groups, with protests outside the site followed by legal action from the landlord and the cancellation of all scheduled events.

“This Saturday’s rally isn’t just about one venue. It’s about the future of arts and culture in New South Wales and who gets to decide it. They can sing? Well we can sing louder. Divine will rise again” organisers wrote ahead of the rally and sing they did.