Save Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre
Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre faces closure under Labour's Christmas Cuts
On Christmas Eve, Central Bedfordshire Council delivered devastating news to the community: Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre is under threat 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.
Save Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre
Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre is a vital local asset for our community. I oppose the Labour Government's cuts to Central Bedfordshire and the threat to the Library Theatre.
Help the campaign
No final decision has been made on the future of the Library Theatre. 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
Local Liberal Democrats have launched a petition calling on the Government to reverse what they describe as "brutal cuts" to Central Bedfordshire. The campaign aims to demonstrate the strength of community feeling and pressure decision-makers to find alternative solutions.
The timing of the announcement, made on Christmas Eve when public attention is elsewhere, has drawn particular criticism from campaigners who argue that such significant decisions deserve proper public consultation and debate.
What Happens Next
Central Bedfordshire Council has said they are undertaking a review of the Library Theatre as they look to make more and more cuts to fill the hole the Labour Government's funding cuts have created in next year's budget.
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.