Cambridge City Council has announced it will return to providing cultural services directly after Cambridge Live struggles to meet financial targets.

The charity, which employs around 70 people, runs events such as Corn Exchange shows, the Cambridge Folk Festival, and the Big Weekend on behalf of the local authority.

However, the city council has announced it will be in the best interests of residents, staff and customers for the authority to take direct control of all activity covered by the current contract.

‘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,’ said Cllr Anna Smith, executive councillor for communities.

‘Bringing the Cambridge Live contract back does not mean we are planning to change the scheduled programme of Cambridge Live events,’ Cllr Smith added.

‘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.’

The process of transferring services and staff back to the council will conclude in April.