Campaign for Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre

What's happened so far

On Christmas Eve, Central Bedfordshire Council delivered devastating news to the community: Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre is going to be reviewed following a £17 million funding cut from the Labour Government for the next financial year.

With warnings of even harsher cuts to come in future years, the Council has been forced to identify savings measures to keep services afloat. Among the assets now at risk is one of the town's most cherished cultural institutions. Central Bedfordshire Council included the Library Theatre in a list of services to consult on reviewing. 

But following the launch of our petition, and thanks to the more than 2,000 people who have signed it, they've announced that they are not including it in the consultation this year. 

However, the Council's Executive Member for Finance has said that it is still on the list to review in future years. 

Help keep the campaign going

No final decision has been made on the future of the Library Theatre. While we have won the first round, there is no room for complacency.

Signing the petition is the first step in the campaign to save the Theatre. We will keep you up to date on ways that you can support the theatre in the coming weeks and months.

A Hub of Community Life Under Threat

The Theatre's Cultural Contribution

The Library Theatre has established itself as a cornerstone of local arts and entertainment, providing affordable access to culture in the heart of the town.

Live Performances: The theatre stages a year-round programme including drama, comedy, music concerts, and dance performances. Local amateur dramatic societies use the space to showcase their talents, while touring productions bring professional theatre to Leighton Buzzard. Leighton Buzzard Drama Society is putting on Cinderella as this year's pantomime in January.

Cinema Screenings: Regular film showings offer an intimate alternative to multiplex cinemas, featuring both mainstream releases and independent films.

Community Events: The venue hosts talks, lectures, and presentations from local historians, authors, and experts. Community groups use the space for meetings, celebrations, and fundraising events.

Youth Opportunities: Young people gain valuable experience through theatre workshops, youth drama groups, and technical training in lighting and sound.

Liberal Democrats Launch Campaign to Save the Theatre

Following Central Bedfordshire Council's inclusion of the Library Theatre in a list of ‘efficiencies’ to be reviewed, Local Liberal Democrats launched a petition opposing the threat to the Theatre and calling on the Government to reverse the brutal cuts to Central Bedfordshire Council. The campaign aims to demonstrate the strength of community feeling and pressure decision-makers to find alternative solutions. With over 2,000 people signing the petition already, we've won the first round, but we will have to keep the pressure up to protect the Library Theatre for the long term.

What Happens Next

While Central Bedfordshire Council has said they are not now going to consult on a review of the Library Theatre this year, they are going to have to make significant cuts this year.

And there are harsher budget cuts to come in the next two years under the Labour Government's new funding formula. We will be pushing the Council and Government to take steps to safeguard these community resources.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Leighton Buzzard can retain this vital community asset or whether it will become a casualty of government funding cuts.

Labour's (Un)fairer Funding

Under the Labour Government's supposedly ‘fairer’ funding cuts, Central Bedfordshire stands to lose £17million next year, rising to £40million in 2028, in central government funding. At the same time, Luton could see its funding go up significantly next year. 

Central Bedfordshire Council may have to cut many services, and we fear that the Library Theatre is just the first of our local services that could be under threat. We will continue to fight the Labour Government's cuts, and the knock on cuts to services for local residents.

_{Updated 18th January to reflect Central Bedfordshire Council's decision not to consult on a review into the Library Theatre this year.}