Cambridge Live to come back under council control

Cambridge Live will come back under the control of the city council after it failed to meet its financial targets.

Both organisations have concluded that it is in the best interests of residents, staff and customers, that the council takes direct control of all activity covered by the current contract.

The move will cost £750,000 an increase of £250,000 on the £500k funding already approved by the council in June.

"The vast majority of Cambridge Live’s business has been to deliver on commissions for the council, so it is incredible that the council has let the costs of an emergency rescue get to this dizzying level before taking action,” he said.

All events, shows and services in the 2019 programme, including Corn Exchange shows, the Cambridge Folk Festival, the Big Weekend and other events, will continue as planned.

It will be business as usual and customers need have no concerns about any tickets they have purchased already or intend buying for upcoming or future events.

Cllr Anna Smith, executive councillor for communities, said: “Sadly, after much hard work with Cambridge Live it became apparent that they were not going to be able to meet their financial targets. This is why we have stepped in now.

“Bringing the Cambridge Live contract back does not mean we are planning to change the scheduled programme of Cambridge Live events.

“In fact, it is because we want to be able to make a commitment to the current programme, that we have agreed to return control of Cambridge Live to the council.

“We are very lucky in Cambridge to have such a varied and popular programme of cultural events.

“Taking Cambridge Live back in house demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that Cambridge continues to enjoy a wide range of cultural events.”

The process of transferring services and staff back to the council will begin now and it is hoped will conclude in April.

A committee report was presented to environment and community services scrutiny committee in June initiating the review of Cambridge Live. The Cambridge Live Board and the council have both agreed to the transfer.