The start of April saw the launch of Cambridge Live, the new charity set up to run the Corn Exchange, Cambridge Folk Festival and other City Events including Big Weekend, Mayor's Day Out and November 5th Fireworks.
April 1st was official 'Go Live Day' at the Corn Exchange and hundreds of people visited the venue throughout the day, enjoying an array of free entertainment: Internationally renowned pianist and Artist-in-Residence, Freddy Kempf performed to a packed council chamber in the morning; Dowsing for Sound led a riotous sing-song in the evening; a mariachi band drew the crowds when they played several times throughout the day; children's characters Ben and Holly delighted children with a surprise visit; visitors enjoyed a photographic exhibition documenting previous Corn Exchange gigs and outdoor events like Big Weekend and Folk Festival; people also enjoyed performances of ballet and Bollywood and musicians performed different styles of music through the day, including folk and brass.
At a separate special evening event, new Managing Director of Cambridge Live, Steve Bagnall addressed guests along with founding Chair of the new charity's Board of Trustees, Sara Garnham and Cambridge City Council's Chief Executive, Antoinette Jackson.
In a symbolic hand over ceremony, Antoinette Jackson (pictured right) entrusted Sara Garnham (pictured left) with a key to the Corn Exchange and in return received an Access All Areas pass, both mounted in glass.