HUNDREDS are expected to join a protest on Saturday against the closure of the Black Cap, which was shut without warning this week.

There has been widespread outcry over the closure of the venue – which dates back to 1889 and has been at the centre of the London gay community for more than 50 years – with more than 600 people signed up to the We Are The Black Cap group, who are organising the protest on Facebook.

Albert Smith, 86, who only heard of the closure when his over-60s fortnightly meet-up was cancelled on Wednesday, urged others to join him at the protest, which starts at 1pm in Camden High Street.

He told the New Journal: “If nothing else it will be a gesture, to let people know strongly we feel about it.” 

Owners Faucet Inn confirmed on Monday they had closed the doors, four days after it was named an “asset of community value” by Camden Council – giving it additional protection from redevelopment. 

But the sale of the building, from Kicking Horse Limited to newly-formed company Camden Securities LLP, is already underway and the future of the legendary gay bar remains uncertain. 

Spike Rhodes, who is organising the protest, said: ”The community of The Black Cap Camden have mobilised and are ready to fight in solidarity.

“The protest on Saturday is to express our anger at the unceremonious closer of such an amazing venue, to remain visible in the eyes of the public and the owners, and to mobilise the community surrounding The Black Cap to fight for its survival.”

Niall Hunt, who performs as cabaret act Fagulous and joined others on stage on the last night, said: "When I first found out I just cried. Every time I got emotional was thinking about the history. It survived when homosexuality was illegal, it survived the Aids crisis. It's seen so much history and can tell so many stores, it's just so upsetting that it ends here."

Visit the We Are The Black Cap Facebook group for more information.