Company number: 04370467 Charity number: 1102771
THE LAMBERHURST MUSIC FESTIVAL
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended
31 DECEMBER 2025
THE LAMBERHURST MUSIC FESTIVAL
COMPANY NUMBER 04370467 REGISTERED CHARITY 1102771 DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES David Ham (Chairman) David Ward Hugh Smith COMPANY SECRETARY David Ham REGISTERED OFFICE North House, 198 High Street Tonbridge Kent TN9 1BE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER John Francis FCA DChA East Hill House 3 East Hill Tenterden, Kent TN30 6RL
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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- 1 Trustees’ Report 4 Independent Examiner’s Report 5 Statement of financial activities 6 Balance Sheet 7 Notes to the Financial Statements
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THE LAMBERHURST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Trustees’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2025
The trustees are pleased to present their annual directors’ report and financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 December 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the charities Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland; FRS 102) issued in October 2019.
Company Status and objectives
The company is incorporated by guarantee without share capital. Each of the members has guaranteed to meet debts of £1 in the event of a winding up. The governing document is the Memorandum and Articles last amended in February 2004. The company is also a registered charity.
The company’s objects are:
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a) to advance public education in music by promoting concerts and other musical events in the Lamberhurst area of Kent;
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b) to advance the Christian religion by the restoration, preservation, repair, maintenance, improvement and beautification of the Parish Church of St. Mary, Lamberhurst, and the churchyard belonging to the church, and the monuments, fittings, fixtures, stained glass, furniture, ornaments and chattels of the church.
Public benefit
The Trustees have had regard to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission. The public benefit provided by the charity comprises making classical music available to people living in and near Lamberhurst, and the maintenance of St. Mary’s church, Lamberhurst, for the free use and enjoyment of parishioners of Lamberhurst and visitors.
The Lamberhurst Music Festival is committed to enabling as many people as possible to benefit from its musical programmes. To this end a varied programme of music is undertaken in order to appeal to a wide audience.
Organisation and management
Trustees are appointed by the board by invitation, usually following a recommendation and always following an interview by the board. The board meets at regular intervals to manage each concerts season and to consider financial reports.
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THE LAMBERHURST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Trustees’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)
Review of activities and main achievements
The 2025 year proved a great success for a number of reasons. Firstly the quality of the concerts matches that of any year since the Festival’s foundation; secondly because, in its second year, the restructured modus operandi of the organisation proved itself to be very effective, and thirdly because, financially, it was the most successful year in the Festival’s existence.
The programme for the 2025 year covered 6 concerts, the first of which saw the return of one of the best-known and highly rated choirs in the UK – Tenebrae. They sang a wide range of a capella pieces from the 16th to the 20th century and it was befitting that the church was full to hear their excellent quality. They were followed by an international string trio: three highly talented young players with an unusual programme which was well-liked by a good audience. The annual “Opera in the Open” at Bayham Abbey followed in August and, when the booked opera company told us that they were financially unable to perform, we resorted to a programme of well-known opera arias rather than a complete opera. The result was some high-quality singing together with recorded orchestral backing which together proved to be a great success.
The autumn saw us welcome Julian Lloyd Webber and his wife Jiaxin who presented their “Bach Explained” programme. Again, a full house much enjoyed the commentary and the playing. The following concert was with Alasdair Beatson, a quite excellent pianist, with a programme of Beethoven and Debussy. And, finally, we had the pleasure of Queen’s College, Oxford for our “Carols by Candlelight” in December. Another full house, the third in 2025, and some lovely singing led us to the end of the year.
The modus operandi of the Festival was changed in 2024 with the retirement of Marc Lodge, the Festival Director, and the setting-up of a structured team with a range of people all having their own responsibility for different aspects of the organisation. The success of the 2025 year has shown that this format can work very effectively as each section of the organisation gets used to working with others and to carrying out their tasks. The Trustees express their profound appreciation to all the individuals comprising this team for their contribution to the year’s Festival. We expect that this structure will allow us to continue to grow and flourish.
The third area of success was the financial result which was the most successful of any year of our operation. Our overall net surplus for the year was £25,729 and our investment and bank assets have grown to over £100,000 – providing a strong foundation to meet one of our two key overall charitable objectives, which is to support St Mary’s Church, Lamberhurst, in the maintenance of the church.
The 2025 year has delivered another interesting and high-quality programme, and we hope this will lead us to more success.
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THE LAMBERHURST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Trustees’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)
Financial Review
The charity made an operating surplus of £18,203 (2024: £13,009).
Gains on investments amounted to £7,526 (2024: £6,045), resulting in a surplus for the year of £25,729 (2024: £19,054).
Grants of £2,131 were made to St. Mary’s Church in the year, towards the renewal of bell ropes in the bell-tower, and repairs to the car park surface.
At the balance sheet date, the charity had unrestricted funds to be carried forward amounting to £122,928 (2024: £97,199).
Risks and Reserves
The Trustees have reviewed the risks to which the charity is exposed and established systems to mitigate those risks.
The Trustees’ policy is to retain modest reserves for the following purposes:
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A balance of £15,000 to cover concert and, especially, pre-publicity expenses for the forthcoming season, bearing in mind that revenues are dependent on audiences and (for the summer opera event) weather conditions.
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A further balance that will enable the trustees to respond rapidly and flexibly to any request for fabric repairs or improvements at St Mary’s Church, Lamberhurst.
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In the longer term the trustees hope to build up an endowment fund, so that the annual income can benefit St Mary’s Church in accordance with the charity’s objectives.
Trustees
The following served as directors, trustees and members of the company during the year:
David Ham
David Ward
Hugh Smith
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The charity trustees (who are also the directors of The Lamberhurst Music Festival for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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THE LAMBERHURST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Trustees’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)
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state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and the group and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
On behalf of the Board
David Ham Chairman
7 July 2026
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THE LAMBERHURST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Lamberhurst Music Festival for the year ended 31 December 2025
I report on the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 December 2025, comprising a Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, and related notes.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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that accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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that the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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that the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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that the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
John Francis Chartered Accountant East Hill House, 3 East Hill Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6RL 7 July 2026
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THE LAMBERHURST MUSIC FESTIVAL
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Income and Expenditure: Income Income from charitable activities: Sale of tickets, programmes and refreshments, including subscriptions from patrons Corporate sponsors Insurance claim for cancelled event Investment income Total income Expenditure Charitable activities (concerts): Performers Hire & concert costs Publicity Website Insurance Sundry expenses PayPal fees Total cost of concerts Grants to St. Mary's Church, Lamberhurst Total cost of charitable activities Costs of generating funds: Investment management costs (net) Total expenditure Net income Other recognised gains and losses: Net gains on investments (Note 4) Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Funds brought forward at 1 January Funds carried forward at 31 December |
2025 £ 20,691 5,264 1,696 263 752 171 788 |
Unrestricted Funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 49,755 47,441 500 1,500 - - 60 55 50,315 48,996 18,753 12,067 2,770 561 722 35 736 35,644 - 35,644 343 (32,112) (35,987) 18,203 13,009 7,526 6,045 25,729 19,054 97,199 78,145 122,928 97,199 |
|---|---|---|
| 29,625 2,131 |
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| 31,756 356 |
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THE LAMBERHURST MUSIC FESTIVAL
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Note FIXED ASSETS Investments 4 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand Held for reinvestment General bank accounts CURRENT LIABILITIES Income received in advance NET CURRENT ASSETS NET ASSETS FUNDS EMPLOYED Unrestricted funds: General Fund |
944 36,850 |
2025 £ 85,449 1,206 18,035 19,241 - 37,479 122,928 122,928 |
2024 £ 77,958 19,241 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37,794 (315) |
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| 97,199 | |||
| 97,199 |
For the financial year ended 31 December 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 Companies Act 2006. No member of the company has deposited a notice, pursuant to section 476, requiring an audit of these financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts, so far as applicable to the company.
These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act relating to small companies and constitute the annual accounts required by the Companies Act 2006 and are for circulation to members of the company.
The Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 7 July 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
Hugh Smith Trustee
Company number 4370467
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THE LAMBERHURST MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value, and in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The accounts are presented in pounds sterling and rounded to the nearest pound.
The Lamberhurst Music Festival meets the definition of a public benefit entity. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Incoming resources
Box office income is accounted for within the general fund when receivable.
Investment income is recognised when receivable.
Cost of Generating Funds
The cost of concerts and other musical events is disclosed as Cost of Generating Funds. This includes the cost of performers, venues and publicity, together with support costs.
Fixed Asset Investments
Fixed asset investments are shown at market value. Any unrealised gains or losses on revaluing the investments and any realised gains and losses on disposal of the investments are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.
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THE LAMBERHURST MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2 TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
Trustees do not receive any remuneration for their services.
Three trustees were reimbursed expenses amounting to £437 (2023: nil) in total during the year. These were direct costs incurred in respect of events.
3 TAXATION
The charity is exempt from Corporation Tax on its charitable activities.
| 4 FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS Quoted investments: Market value at 1 January Additions at cost Disposals at cost or opening market value Unrealised net gains in the year Market value at 31 December Historical cost of investments at 31 December |
2025 £ 77,958 - (41) 7,532 85,449 38,760 |
2024 £ 72,925 19,200 (19,198) 5,031 |
|---|---|---|
| 77,958 | ||
| 48,633 |
The investments are held in a single portfolio and income and gains (or losses) are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.
| Realised gains (losses) on disposals Unrealised gains on revaluation Gains recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities comprised: |
(6) 1,014 7,532 5,031 7,526 6,045 |
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5 CONTROL
The charitable company is controlled by its board of Trustees, who are also the members. There is no ultimate controlling party.
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