Cambridge transfers to Trust

Cambridge City Council has become the latest local authority to announce the transfer of its arts and entertainment services to a new Trust. Cambridge Live, a new, non-profit distributing organisation, is being set up to take over the governance, management and operation of the 1,800-capacity Cambridge Corn Exchange, the region’s largest performance venue, from Cambridge City Council. Cambridge Folk Festival, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, will also be operated by Cambridge Live, as will other live arts and entertainment events in the city and surrounding area. The organisation will also develop the use of the Guildhall public spaces which currently host over 150 events attracting 35,000 visitors. Staff and assets will transfer from Cambridge City Council on 1 April next year.

But while Cambridge Live is securing the future of the city’s large-scale arts and entertainment providers, there is less certainty for Cambridge Summer Music Festival. The festival has revealed that if it fails to raise £35,000 by the end of the year then it will close. Chairman Tim Brown said: “For the past 35 years we have managed to survive the ups and downs, but this year our luck ran out. Our 2014 Festival attracted greater audience numbers than ever before – 3,000 more – but unfortunately this did not compensate for the shortfall in other kinds of funding. We have an accumulated deficit that cannot be ignored and have come to the end of the road.” An appeal has been launched asking its supporters to donate £15 each.