Issue - meetings

The Committee welcomed Mark Boon, Vice-Chair, Anthony Delaney, Head of Finance, Cambridge Live, to present a report on Cambridge Live; where we are and what next for City events.  As part of what was proposed next for City events, a City Events Questionnaire was circulated at the meeting.

The following responses were given in response to the presentation:

i.      the subsidy from the City Council for 2015/16 was £507k which would reduce over five years to £231k.  Facilities were being put in place to make up the reduction.  It was approximately 10% of a business turnover of £5m.  It was acknowledged that Cambridge Live had been gifted the Corn Exchange but it also had to fund the running costs.

ii.       a new ticketing system would be in place from October.  The CRM function would enable Cambridge Live to gather useful demographic and price information.  This information would then be reported quarterly as part of Key Performance Indicators to the City Council.  It would enable Cambridge Live to reach out better to certain areas.  It was also agreed to ask the Head of Marketing to identify the number of people from outside of Cambridge using the facility.  The Committee was informed that Cambridge Live saw inclusivity as a powerful unifying force and an opportunity.

iii.    Cambridge Live was attempting to identify and measure more partnership and sponsorship in order to add value.  However, it was still very early days and this work would be progressed as part of its five year strategy.  It was expected that Cambridge Live would be able to report on this issue in 12-18 months.

iv.      Cambridge Live was working with other partners as part of City Roots, a series of events in February 2017 which embraced the spirit of the Folk Festival, strengthening the link between folk and roots music and the City of Cambridge.

v.     the Survey would help Cambridge Live identify possible future events including the possibility of a cultural festival.