Company Registration Number- 4369668 The Charity Registration Number is :. 1121276 Manchester Literature Festival Limited Report and Accounts 31 March 2025 Manchester Literature Festival
Manchéster Literaturè Festival Limited Roport and aceounts for the yèar ended 31 March 2025 Contents Page Charity infomiation Trustees. Annual Report ststement of directors. responsibilities Independent Accountant's Report Funds Statements... ststement of Financial Activities Movement in funds Income and Expenditure account 10 11 12 Balance sheet Notes to the accounts 13 15
Manchester Literature Festival Limited Company Registration Number - 4369668 Tru8to08 Annual Report for the Year Ended March 31st 2025 The Trustees present their Report and Accnunts for the year ended 31 March 2025, which also comprfses the Directors, Report required by ihe Companies Act 2006. Reference and administrative details The charity name. The legal name of the charity is'.- Manchester teratUre FestNal Limited. Tho charity's areas operation and UK charitable registration. The charity is registered in England & Wales with the Charity Commission in England & Walas (CCEW) wth charity number 1121276. Legal structure of the charity The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee, registered under the Companies Acts.The goveming document of the charity is the Memorandum and Artides of Asscciaiion estsblishing the company under company legislation. There are no restrictions in the governing documents on the operats'on of the Charity or on tls investment powers olher than those impose(I by Charity Law. By operation of law all trustees are directors under the Companies Act 20C6 and all directors are trustees under Charities legislatlon and have responsibilities, as such, under both company and tharity lègislation_ The trustees 8re all indbviduals. Thè prinelpal operating address, telephone number, email and web addresses of the Gharity are:_ The Departmerrt Sto 5 Oak Street Manchester M4 6JD Telephone 0161832 5502 The registered Offi of the charity for Companies Ad purposes is the same as the operating address shown above. The Trustees in office on the date the report was approved were:. Karl Jad(son Christopher Graham Jeffries (freasurer) Peter Meains (CHAIR) Anne-marie Nugnes Gwen Louise Oakden Rebecca Louise Parkinson Erinn Kelly Roocroft Jo Somerset Bonnie Julia Tumbull Benjamin James Ward AndW Peter Westle
Manchester Literature Festival Limited Company Registration Number- 4369668 The following persons served as Trustees durlng the year ended 31 March 2025:. The trustees who senied as a trustee in the reporting period, and. rf applicable, their dates of appointment or resignation during the year were:. Name Kad Jackson Christopher Graham Jeffries ffreasurer) Peter Mearns (CHAIR) Anne-marie Nugnes Gwen Louise Oakden Rebecc8 Louise Parkinson Erinn Kelly Roocroft Jo Somerset Bonnie Julia Tumbull Benjamin James Ward Andrew Peler Westle Afshan Tania D'Souza-Lodhi Appolnted Resigne(VRetired 17r2024 Objectives and Activities of the Charity A summary of the objectives of the charity as Set out in its goveming document Manchester Literature FestNal's charitable objectives are: "To promote arts and. in particular, literature in souety for the benafft of the inhabitants of the North West Area of England and elsewhere by developlng public appreciation of literature and by improving public a¢sS to and the qualiiy of literature. TnJstses'Annual Report ftir the year ended 31 March 2025 In Autumn 2024, we delivered the 19th iteration of Man¢hesler LitÈr8ture Feslival 4 - 20 October. featuring 48 live event5 iricluding four poetry workshops. walking tours and the Northem Publishers, Fair. We attr3ctÈd a tolal audience of 7847 to Festival evenis In the autumn and a furtlier 781 people to our four Spring events with high profile authors Percival Everett, David Nicholls, Olivia Laing and Uavi¢J Miichell in APNIIMay 2024. Overall attendance at events was 760/0 of capacity- The results of our Audience Survey revealed high levels of audience satisfadion. 95 /0 of the audience rated the Festival for giving them a good quality experience as very good (590A) or good (38 % ) and 880/0 said they would be very Ilkety to recornmend the Festival to a friend. A total of 123 writers and other artists took part in MLF events including 44 Global Majority writers. 24 evenislworkshops in total featured Global Majority artists (representing SOQ/o of the festival programme). A total of 13 intemational artists participated in live events. joining us from Japan, Nethedands, Ukraine and the USA. The programme showrAsed the rising slars of literature alongside aw8rd-winning writers and featured speaal conversatlons with leadin9 Ildlional and inlemational novelists. poets. musicians, actors and other cultural figures. Programme strand highlights induded: Culture Our sold4)ut, opening night event featured iconic Swedish singer-songwriter Neneh Chery in conversation with Bemardine Evaristo about her new memoir A Thousand Thre8ds. Foreign correspondent Lindsey Hilsum shared poems and stories from the frontline featured in her new book l Brought the War with Me. hosted by poet John McAuliffe. Leading designer Thomas Heatherwick discussed his new book Humanise and his campaign for greener, bolder, healthier, more imaginative buildings with Ellah P. Wakatama. Bestselling food writer Meera Sodha shared reopes. family stories and the joy of fcod with Eri¢a Wagner.
Manchester Literature Festival Limited Company Registration Number- 4369668 Gp.nrge Monbiot and Jeanette Winterson haa a lively discusslon abjul 12pitalism, Gommunity. neoliberalism and the challenges faung us globally. Fomier Green Party leader Caroline Lucas shared her passion for the British countryside. literature and culture and the need for narratives Ihai unlte and bring people logcther. Esteemed actor Harriet Walter discussed her reimagining of Shakespeare's women wtth Katie Poppeell and shared somc daring new sonnets. Fi¢tion Beslselling author Matt Haig discussed his new novel The Life Impossible, writing, neurodiversity and mental he211h with broadcaster Nih81 Arthanayake. David Peace discussed his gripping new novel Munichs, the airfine disaster that killed Manchester United's Busby Babes and the importance of writing wotking class narratives with Katy Shaw. Japanese author Asako Yuzuki discussed her bestselling novel Butter, true crime, joumalism and her love of writing at a packed event supported by the Japan Foundation. We celebrated the twentielh anniversary of Susannah Clarke's ground-breaking novel Jonathan Strnnge 8 Mr NonEII and the publication of a new novella The Wood at MIdnter. S¢ottish author Andrew O'Hagan distyjssed his new state-of-the-nation novel Caledonian Road, class. culture, complicity and male friendship wth Dave Haslam. Prominent LGBTQ+ author Juno Dawson discussed fiction, scriptwriting, Northem identty and LGBTQ+ culture w¢th fellow author Andrew Mcmillan. Rebecca F. Kuang discussed her multi-award-winning novel Yellowface, the craft of writing and the repercussions of empire at a sold-out evenl at Ihe RNCM. Turkish-British author Elif Shafak brought this yearfs MLF to a fitbng close with a dlscussion aboul her new novel There Are Rive in the Sky. how fiction can build bridges in an age of division and the importance of festivals in providing crucial democratic space8. Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Richard Powers discussed the inspiration for his new novel P18yground, his passion for our oceans and trees. the rise of Al. and the Importan of play, at a special bookend event hosted by Alex Clark. Poetry Jackie Kay discussed her new F>oetry collection May Day and a life of protest with sctor Juli Hesmondhaigh. Fomier National Poet of Wales. Gillian Clarke gave this years annual Rylands Poetry Reading. Imtiaz Dherker and Romalyn Anto traated us to a perfomiane£ of thpir gtunnino. poignant and deeply lyrical poelry. Raymond Antrobus. Theresa Lola and Caleb Femi gave exhilarating perf0mlanS from their new collections in front of a buzzing audience al Manthester Poetry Library. Former Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy perfomied poems inspired by the eco-crisis accompanied by musician John Sampson. This yearfs Cabaret for Freednm celebrated the legendary poet and musician Gil Scott Heron wlth rousing perfomiances from soul singer Yemi Bolatiwa supported by a string quartet from the Untold Orchestra and poetry from Sukina Noor and Young Identity. Wp. also presented a newly commissioned poem by Francesca Beard spOndIng io the Arena documentary A Day in The Afterfife about cult aiithor Philip K Dick. Children and Famllies Waterstones Children's Laureale, Joseph Coelho presented two liveFy interactive poetry shows for families at Central Library, followed by a Spooky Poems Aloud Aclivity Trail and craft workshop designed by communty artist Emma Martin. International storyteller Jan Blake, djembe player Yahael Onono and musictgns from the BBC Philharmonic gave interactive perfomiances of Anarjse and the Monkeys as part of our musi1 Storyland LIVEI events at Rothdale and Oldham libraries. Comic artist Ed Syder ran Skateboard Drawing Clubs at Projekts skatepa for children aged 7+ Award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph introduced a very exoted audience at Z-arts to his latest picture book l Follow the Fox featuring one of his famous Draw-alongs. We also co-promoled the 100 Story Hotel at Z-arts, an interath.ve workl of play and slorytelling Greated by Rob Biddulph and Discover Children's Story Centre.
Manchester Litsrature Festival Limited Company Registration Number- 4369668 Workshops and Walking Tours Writer Tania Hershman and tour guide Emma Fox delivered two Writing and Walking Tours celebrating Manchesler and the rich culturdl lilVI10n made by four brilliant women resi*J¢nta during thc first half of the twentieth ntUry. painters Annie Swynnerton and Isabel Dacre. theatre impresario Annie Horniman and scientist Kathlèen Drew-B8ker. Festival guests Gillian Clarkc, Inua Ellams, Raymond Antrobus and Francesca Beard each delivered excellent poetry workshops with themes spanning self-expression, music. nature, poelic truth and how to channp.I lifÈ experience. The Festival continued to deliver a year-round creative leaming programme enu)uraging children and young people to develop a passion for reading and creative writing. Activities induded.. Llttle Reads: fvn, interactive workshops using draTna. dance, songs and craft to animate stories for under 5s and their parentslcarers in partnership with GM Ilbrarles. Delivered monlhly in Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport and Trafford attracting a total of 3311 attendances across 108 sessions. Media Cubs.. 12 children participated in 5 media training sessions delivered in Beswid( Library in October. Media Cubs reporter Sonny produ¢ed a video report from our Skateboar(l Drawing Club: https'.IIM•thi.youtube.comlwalth?v=Qk-t<Yd8vnU Story Explorers: 132 children aged 8-11 participated in our HAF supported Story Explorers sessions during the Easter and Summer holidays in Sale West Community Cenlre and Old Trafford (Limelighl). 58 children participated in our Story Explorers After School Clubs al Limelight. 1000 primary sthool children participated in creative adivity days at Lancashire Country Cricket Club in May. National Play Day: we ran an activity all in partnership with the Blue Peter Club in Plait Fields Park on 7 July engaging 75 families. World Book Day: we presented two Musical Storyland events for schools on 3 March at Z-arts. 418 pupils from 11 loc21 prim8ry schools and Home Education groups attended the events. 75 GM primary schools also accessed free online teaching resources to support their own dassroom acttvilies, benefitting 11516 pupils. In Sprinq 2024 we appointed Field Studio to design and build a new CMS webslte for us and we were deligliled with the results briefed, they created a stylish, engaging and easy to navigate portal for our various audiences and stakeholdcrs to access content and information about our events, new commissions and projects. Thpy 8180 created an exoting, waiTn aiid eiigaging interface to showGas¢ our year-rovnd creative leeming activities for children and families. As part of the pro55, they proClud a series of br6ght and playful new graphics and animations that represent different elements of our work induding writing. reading, playing and perfoming. We were able to use these dynamic graphics across all our digital and print assets, creating a strong. consistent brand for the 2024 Festival. sin the launth of the new website in mid-June web traffic has increased by over 250/0 and feedback from audien$, partners arKI volunteers about Ihe new branding has been extrernely posilive. We produced a 2page Festival Programme (20,000 print run) arKI a separate flyer to promote our Events and Activities for Children and Famllles (7,500) which were posted oul to our mailing list and distrlbuted to key cultural venues across the region using Culture Calling. We commissioned a large eye-caiching banner outslde Central Library which was displayèd 16 Septemhg.r- 21 and also ran digital screen adverts at several sites across the city. This yearfs programme was featured in The Bookseller, Lancashire Lrfe, Creative Tourist. l Love Manchesler, Prolific North, The Mill, Manchester Confidential. About Manchester. Manchester Wire. Manchesterfs Finest, The Art Shelf. GM Chambers. The Business Desk, Oxford Road Corridor. Canal Street. Jadar and Mancunion Matters. There were several positive reviews of Festival events on Northem Soul (Percival Everett, David Peace, Joe Boyd, Ekow Eshun and Richard Powers) and Mancunian Matters (David Peace, Juno Dawson, Rebecca F Kuang, Carol Ann Dufy and André Aciman). Poets Raymond Antrobus and Theresa Lola appeared on Craig Charles, BBC 6 Music Fight Club and the Festival was given plugs by Stuart Maconie on his Radcliffe and Maconie and Freakzone shows.
Manchester Literature Festival Limited Company Registration Number - 4369668 Public Benefit Manchester Literature Festival's activtties in the year were designed to provide the following public benefits in accordance Vth tne Chartiles Act 2Crf)6: The advancement of th• arts: MLF provtded a unique and diverse programme of activities designed to appeal to readers of all ages and literary tastes. The advaneÈment of Èducation: MLF provided an imaginative programme of events and creative leaming activities for children and young people and supportod local writers through commissioning and showcasing opportunities, enabling them to reach a broader audien and advance their Gareers. The year ahead We plan to curate a live programme of 40+ events and worf(shops as part of the main Festival in October 202a as well as Spring events with award-winning authors Kevin Barry, Robert Madadane. Laura Bates, Colm Toibin. Attica Locke and Rebecca F Kuang. We will continue to deliver a year-round Creative Leaming programme of activities for children and families across Greater Manchester including our Little Reads. Slory Explorers and Media Cubs Mini Reporters projects. As part of our enteth 8nniversary celebrations, we will be ojrating a photography exhibition at Cenlral Library, featuring intimate green room and on-stage portraits of authors who have appeared at Manchester Literature Festival and publishing a souvenir pamphlet of poems that we have ts)mmissioned over the years. We will be invesling some reserves in the appointrnent of a parl-time Marketing and Audience Developrnent Manager to help the Festival expand tts audien and increase the organisats"on's long-term resilienrx as we Celebrate our 20th yèar. The trustees bankers and advisers Bankers Accountants HSBC 780 WAlmslow Road, Manchester M20 ODP RWF Rubiiistein, Chartered Accountants 171 Bury New Road. Manchester M45 8A8 Financial review The eharity's financialposition at the year ended March 31st 2025 The financial position of the charity at 31 March 2025 and comparatives for the prior period, as more fully detailed in the accounts, can be summarised as follows".- 2025 2024 Net income 10.948 20.798 Unrestricted Revenue Funds available for the general purposes of the charity 132,274 121,326 Total Funds 132.274 121,326
Manchester Literature Festival Limitsd Company Registration Number - 4369668 Financial rèview of the position at the reporting date at March 31st 2025 and PoliGies on reseprfe8 The Festival currently holds £132,274 in reserves, all of which are unrestricted. This Inclu¢Jes £60K nng fen budget to cover potential wnd-up costs induding payment of notice periods, slatutory redundancy pay and flilfilment of any freelance obligations. We are working to build a further £60K of tree reserve5 to help binooth out peaks and troughs in funding, sponsorship and box Offi income to cover any one-off additional expenditure. The trustees may choose to invest any excess resenies in activities that will help to seijjre the Gontinued growth of the festival, Such a8 fvndraising or marketing, or to seek out low risk investment banking options. Availability and adequacy of assets of each of the funds The board of trustees is satisfied that the charity's assets In each fund are available and adequate to fvffil its obligations in reÈpect of eath fund Details of The Independent Examiner Mlchael J Rubinslein Fellow of Ihe Inslitute of Chartered Accountants Brenhv¢Jod 171 Bury New Road ilefield Manchester M45 6AB Statement of the Dire¢tor8 Trustoes, Responsibilities The charity's Injstees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with Ihe terms of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Notsvithstanding the explicit reouirement in the extanl statutory regulations, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. to Prepa the financial statements in accordan wtth the 8ORP 2005. in view of the fact that the SORP 2005 has been withdrawn, the Truslees deterrnined tu inlerprel this responsibility as requiring thcm to follow currant best practice and preparÈ the accniinls xctording to the FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practi foi Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2015. (as amended by the Bulletin issued in October 2018 and applicable to all accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2019), ffhe SORP). In particular, the Companies Act 2CMJ6 and tharity law require the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each finanoal year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the finandal year and of Ihe Surplus 01 defic51 of the tharity. In preparing those financial statements the Board is required to - to ppare the a¢UnIS in accordance vAth Uniled Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (Uniled Kingdom A¢UntIng Standards and applicable law)" select suitable accounting poliaes and apply them consistently,. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent- prepare the finanaal statements on the going nCeM basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business- slate whether 8pplicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practi have been followed, subject to any material departures disdosed and explained in the finanoal statements. The law requires that the trustees must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the surplus or deficit of the charity for the year.
Manchester Literature Festival Limited Company Registratlon Number - 4369668 The Trustees are also responsible for maintaining adequate ac(x)unlirig records which diSGlose with re8sonable accuracy at any time the financial position ofthe charity 2nd whirth are sufficient lo show and explain the charity's transactions and enable them lo ensure that the finanLial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and comply with regulations made under the Charities Act. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregu13rities. The Trustees are also responsible for the contenls of the Ttuslees, report, and the statutory responsibility of the Independent Examiner in relation to the Trustees. report is limited to examining the report and ensunng that , on the face of the report, there are no material inconsistencies with the figures disdosed in the financial stalements. Method of preparation of accounts - Small company provisions Tho financial statements are set out on pages 12 to 26. The financial statements have been prepared implementing the FRS 102 SORP (Slatement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Ch2rities) 2015. (as amended by the Bulletin issued in October 2018 and applicable lo all accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2019). (The SORP), and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102. (effective 1 st January 2016) These financial statements have been prepared in awrdance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. This port was approved by the board of trustees on January iv. 2026 Christopher Graham Jeffiies
Manchester Literature Featival Limited Report of the Independent Exavniner to the Trustees of the charitsble company on the accounts for the yèar ended 31 March 2025 I report lo the Tnjslees on my examin8tiM of Ihe finanoal $tstements ofthe tharitab eompary on pages 10 10 24 for the year ended 31 March 2025 thich have been prepared In accorfan(t th the Charsiie5 Act 2011 (the Act) and wlh the Finanual Reporting Sl8ndar(1102, leffective 1st Janvary 2Ul61 as mooifle(J by FRS 102 SORP Istslemenl of Reeommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charttiesl 2019, aFg1i¢aL)ie EO all accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2019). lThe SORPI. published by the Charity Commission In Englond & Wales (CCEW) . and under the hiBIori1 cost eonvenlion 8nd thè gec£Jiintino poliries sel otjl on page 15. Respgctlve responslbllmles of the Trustee5 and tho Independent Examlner and th• basls of the rnport As described on paqe 6. you. the th8ritabk comp8nls Trustees. are a190 the Directors of the Comparry for the purposes of Company law. are responsible for the preparation of the financial stslemenls in accorfance the Companies Act 2006. the Charities Ad 2011 anf1 all other applicable law and wlh United Kingdom Generally A¢pIed Accounting Pract$, applicable lo smaller entitses. and for being sattsfied that the financ4al slatemenls give a true arKi fair vlew. The Tnjstees consider that the audit requlrement of Section 144(1) of Ihe cnorities Act 2011 (the Acl} does not apply. and that there is no requirement in the memorandum and artides of the d)arity for the con(lucting of an audit, and that tt)e alnIS do not require an audit in accord8nrE Part 16 of the Companie5 Act 2006 and that no member or member8 havc rcquesled an audil pursuant to Section 476 of the Compan9 Act 2006. As a consequenLE, the TTU31ees l)av¢ ekGted that Ihe firnG11 statemerts bc sleCt to indapandont wmination. HavtThJ salisfied myself mai ihe finanoal starnents are not wequirEd to be audited uThJer any legal prowslon. or otherwise, 8nd are elioitjle for independent examinab"on. rt is my responsibility to:_ al examine the finanual staiements of Ihe thartty urKlerseiaion 145 of the bl follow the appllcable procedures in the Dlreclions given by the Charity Commission under seaion 145(5)(bl of the knt. Basls of IndendOn1 Examln•fs Statemènt and scopg ofwork undèrtaken I report iii respect of my ¢xamination of the thaiiW$ finandal statemw)ts carri•d out undw $145 of tho Aet In carying out my examlnation. I have followe(l all the applicable Direction8 given by the Charity Commission undèr section 14515llbl of Ihe selling out ti)e duues ol an Independent examitEr in relation to the conducting of an independent examination. An independent examination IndeS a review of ihe accountiry te¢ords kept by the charitable company and of the accounting systems employed by the tharilable company and 8 comparison of the finanual statements presented with those rec£Jrds. It also indudes Consideration of any unusual items or disdosures in the financAal slattments. and seeking explanations from you, as Tnjstees. conceming suth matters. The purpose of the examination is lo establish 8$ fgr as possible that thero h8ve beefi no bTeache$ of diArity legislation and that. on a lest basls of evidence relevanl lo the amounts and disdosures made, the financial slalemenls comply wih the SORP. The procedures undertaken nol provide all Ihe evidence that would be requiTed in #n audit. and infomialion supplied by the Trustees in the course of the examlnatton Is not 5ubjeLted to audit tests or enquirie$ and does not cover all the matters that an auditor would consider in arriving at an opinion. The piannlng an¢J conduth of an avdit goes beyond the limited assurance that an Independent examination can provide
Manchester Literature Festival Limlted Consequenlty, l ¢Jo not express an audrt opinlon on Ihe VI given by the financial ststement8, and in parti¢>Jlar, express no opinion as to whether the finantial statements give a and Talr vlew of th¥ alfaito of the tharity, and my report is limrtpd to the matters set out in Ihe stslement below. I planned and perfomed my examination so as lo satisfy mysell that the objectives of the iThJependenl examination are achieved and before finalising Ihe pOrt l obtained wrrtten assurances trom me Tru5teBs vf dll malerial matters. Indepèndent Examlnefs SUtemen( Report and Oplnlon Subject to the Ilmitation5 upon the scope of my work as deth1 above, I have completed my examination.. and ean confirm Ihat'.- The accounts of this tharitab company are not requlred to be audited under Part 16 of Ihe Companies Act 2006; This is a report in SpeCt of an examlnation caTried oul under section 145 of the Act and in 8ccordan¢e wlh Direciions 96ven by the Charity Commission under sects.on 14515)(bl oflhe Act which may be applicable; and that no material matters have come to my attention in connecllon the examinatlon giving me uSe to believe that in any material respect'.- accounting records were not kept in resped of the tharity as wuired by Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 and Section 130 of The Charities Act 2011., the financaal stslements do not a¢eord those reo)rds: or thè financÉal statements do not eompty the applicable requwements o)nceming ts fomi and content ol accounts set ovl in section 396 of the Companies Act 20C6 other than ary requirement that the accounts give a 'Irue and fai¢ vlew, vthi¢h L8 not 8 matter considered as part of an Thleptndent exxmlnation.. have r1 been prepafe(l in 8ce0fdan *ryth the methtsd8 and prinuples set out in the FRS 102 SORP Ibiaiemenl of Recommended Pr<ILlI for AGGounting and Reporting by Chaiibesl 2019, applicable to 811 accounting periods WinniThJ on or after ISI January 2019), (The SORPI. I have no ConMS and have come ac40ss no other matters in conneciion th the examination to which attÈntion should be dr8wn in this repon In orderlo enabbe a proper uThJerstsndirtg of ihe findla1 statements to be read)ed. 51gn8d-. MiGhael J Rubinstein BA FCA- Indendent Ex•min Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants In EnglaThJ and Wales BrenoOd 171 Bury N¢w Ro8 Whilefield Manchester M45 6A8 Th1$ report was signed on January 19th 2026
Manehester Literaturè Festival Llmited - Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025 Statement of Financial Activities (including tho Income and Expendlture AGGount for the year ended 31 March 2025. as rèquired by the Companiès Act 2006) Curr•n¢ y•ar Unre8wicl•d Prforyodr T¢)Ml Funds Toral 2025 2024 Ineome & Endov4Thents from: Donations & Leqaties Chafitable aGbvities Investrnant# 175.338 71.2S9 1,575 17&338 Y1,2S9 1.67 2C6.016 61,899 1,395 Total Ineorne 248,172 248,172 269.312 Expendllur• on: Raising funds ChAritable activ7tie$ 8.500 240,014 228,724 228.724 Trtal expendliurÈ 237,224 237224 248.514 Nèt Income for the y 111.948 10.949 20,798 Net Ineom• aftertr8n8f• 10,948 10.948 20.798 Nèt movefflent In fvnd• 10.Y8 10.948 Reconcllladon of funds:. Total lunds broughtf01 121,327 121.327 88.012 Totsl lund$ carrled lopward 132.275 132.276 108,810 TITV'SORP Ref irted abtsve la Ihc cth$$i¢atreTr cf in¢•m• ••t im trffi1 SORP dotuments. As rwjuired bv paragraph 4.eo ol the SORP, the brought foThYard and earyiod loNArd ffijnds atr boèn aoreed to the 8alanee SheeL A sèparate StAtèm8nt ofTotal Recoqni5td Gam Losses 1$ not rMuir&J a3 this statem*tt IndtyJès all Iwnised gains And losses AJI tme wor year transactions ¥e UntrICted and no further ana1$ is requwed l aCtItI&$ derive from continuing operations All aCllvltle5 d¥rfve from contlnulng opratlon• Th• notss attached on pages 15 to 24 torni •n Int•gral prt of thes• aec<>unts. 10
Manchester LitÈrdture Festival Limited - Statsment of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025 Movemènts in revonue and capitsl funds for the year ended 31 March 2025 Rèvenu? a¢cumulotod funds Tgl41 Fund• 2025 La•ty••r T+)tsl Fthids 2025 Accurnulated frjnds bYr¥Jght foThAt 121.327 121.327 88,012 Rtcognixd ga¢AJ before transfers 10,948 10.948 20.798 13227$ 132.276 108,810 Closlng lee funds 132,275 132.27$ 408.810 8ummary ot fund8 Totsl Lat Y•ar To1•1 Funds Dwlllnat•d 2D24 RevenuB aJ[l11#(ed funda 1#2,275 132.27S 108.810 Totsl fvnds 132,275 132,275 108.810 Thg notes Itt¥¢h on pg•s IS to 24 fomi on Int•gral part ofth•s• accounts. 11
Manchester Liternture Festival Limited - Statement of Financial Activittes for the year ended 31 MarGh 202S Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 March 2025 as required by the Companies Act 2006 202S 2024 Income Incorn• Irom operation$ 246.598 267.917 Investmont incom• Intere$t e1vable 1,576 1.395 Gross Income In th• year before tx¢esxional Itqm• 248,172 9.312 Gffjss In¢omÈ In the year Includlng excoptlonat bm8 248.172 269,312 Expvndltuy Charitable gxptnditure. exduding IJepr&rts0rt and amryDsarrie41 Depw8tion and amorbsatsc Fundroi$ing costs Go¥eman¢e eostg Rea115ed1055es dispu¥als ol ¥1&1 invests)Kntsvthi¢h are progrw¥mc felatsd 224.594 234,949 650 8,500 4.415 8.SOO 3.830 Total oxpondltuffj In the yur 237.224 248.514 Net In¢omo b•tsmtsx In the Iln•neSal ye4f 10.948 20,798 Tax on surplus on ordinary activ6$ Not In¢om• aftertsx In the flnxntlal year 10,948 20,798 Retalnod 5urplu• for thtr flnanclal y•ar qO.948 20.798 l activities derive from conlinuirvJ operatrons In accordance w5th the provisions ofthe Gempanies Act 2006, tne headlng5 and suitradings u8•J in tr Irthme and Expenditure accounl have been adapted to ref*1 the ¥wal nawre Ofifte dwrws blIeS. The notss atta¢hod on page$ 115 to 24 fomi an Integral part of the¥• aecounts. 12
Manchester Literature Festival Limited Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 202S 2024 Flxed a$sets Tangible assets 1.510 2.010 Totsl fixed assets 1.510 2,010 Current assets Cash at bank artd in harKI 139,712 130.037 Total Gurront asgets 139,712 130.037 Creditors: amounts falllng duo wlthln on• yoar {8,947} 110.720) Nèt currnnt ass•ts 130.765 119,317 The total ngt assets of thg charlty 132.275 121,327 The total net of the ¢harlty are funded by the fund$ of the charity, as follows:. Rostrlcted funds Unrèstrtcted Funds Unrastricted Revenue Funds 12 132.275 121,327 132,275 121,327 Deslgnatfrd Funds Total ¢harlty funds 132.275 121,327 Tho notes attoGh•d on pagès 15 to 24 forni an Integral part of th9#• ae¢ounts. 13
Manchester Literature Festival Limited Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 The'SORP Ref indicated above IÈ the d3SStficatton of Balaxeè Sheet items as set oul in the formal SORP documents. As required by paragraph 4.60 of the SORP. Ihe broughl forward and carried foNgrd funds above have been agree(1 lo ine SOF The directors a salisfiecl that the comparry is true¢ to exemptson trom requlrement to obtain an audit uThJer sedion 477 of the Companies Ad 2006. The members have not required ihe 1MpanY to obtsin an audit In accordan wth 5ethon 476 of the Act. The diredors ackno%edge their responsibilities mplng with the requirements of the Companies Acl 2006 respect lo accounting records and Ihe preparlon of accounts. The charity is subject to Independent Examinabon under (tsnty l51all. and Ihe rewt of Ihe Independent Examiner is on page 9. The financio18tstements have ten ppared artordancA Vith the provisiM$ Mi Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. applicable to companies subjeet to the srnall eompanios regimè. Chrlstophtr Graham Jeffrie$ Trustee Approved by the board of trustees on January 2026 The notès attached on pages 15 to 24 form an Integral part of theso a¢counts. 14
Manchester Llterature Festlval Limlted Notes to the Accounts for thè year ended 31 March 2025 I AGGountlng poli¢l•a Policies relats.ng to the productton ofthe •rGounts. BaAIK of prnparatlon and •ccounllno Gonven the Financi81 Reporting Standard 102. (effective 1st January 20161 and'FRS 102 SORP IStai¢ment of Re¢ommended Pradite forA¢wuntsng ano Repornng Dy GnafMe512015, ¢ipOLdL IK) 01 Kcounbn9 pcriod¥ b¢gw)ning on w aftgr 1st January 20191, Ithe SURVI. puèiishea byine Charty Commi55K)n in enyland & Wts ICCCWI. and in aettorda ith 811 applicab law in the charitlsiunsdiiknl of regislraitin. tXC8PI that the thatity ha$ wepar•J the financ Ststemenls in awordance ith Ihe FRb IDZ tsORP IsiatemeMU Recom1d Pl for Ac(wntin9 and Rewting by Charities) 2019, appItse lo aCCng Fen$ Wlnnlng on crafter 1st January 20191, (The SORPI. in preferenca to the prev8 SORP, the SORP 2005. has beertwthdr. n£111h$tan1jIng thefxt thatthe èklAnt $lutory regUtiOns, the Charthes (Accounts and ReFthSI Regulatths 2(1)8 rr 8y( lo the SORP 2005. Ths he$ been d¢ne to accord current tesi Fxacbce. Golng Concern The chariiaNe adivthe$ éntirety dependent on ctyitinufng grant apj and vthjntary d¢)ftations as 8s tr8th9 r•venue$. AS 8 cOn$J11e& the g(xno concern basi$ is dependent on IhÈfirturefiThfofthese un¢ertan funding strwns Accedingty, Ihe Tnjstees have otrA•ned forecasts and. aftw reYivMng thefinanci& forecasts foTfuture puiods 10 31 December 2023. the Tfustees a satisfied that. at Ihe time clappffjng thefinants statements. rt 8prmpriate to sdopl the gcAng concern in preparing the finan0 sterr%nts. Other these mattert. the TNstees are not ware ¢f8ny material uncertwnites 8bJut the ¢hartYs atthto ¢AY1ne as a gc•ig cern. Rl$k8 athd a5sumptlon8 Policies relaung to c•tegories of Income and Income recognlwon. Nthr• oflncornè Gro$$ income repSents th• valuo. rtc4 added tAxd th¢Awrds. clo(Ats to GUrne and tAmed eut in respect of s0MC88 provided to c¥stomw¥. Aeeountlng f0rdef¢ff Inct)m• and Incom• rnG•l¥¢d In dvanc• mo&t any terms or c0ndrtS OtheA41 1th1 its rthrcl. is nrrt r¥Th$ed Imrt is ddured a5 a hthfty ynth it is probotrAe that the terms etA)nditkins rnrrtjsed can met. Any grantthat subjectto perfomatKtrrelated reCd the gooos 8nd servi fequired by thai ¢ondthon, or is $ubjectto unmet conditJns outsNlethe contrrA of the reokxni charny, 1$ accounted lor as a tiablty and shm on the baLqnee sheet as delerred in¢ome. Deferrea RKome 15 reaSed io Inc4xne in the p0rknng period in Ihe performarthrd ordher that rewrffjn •e meL When ineomg from a grant dcfi8ti0ti has beefi rwnised due io ts ¢dit$ a0n9 to the bn9 %¥holly within the conlrd oflhe reupientehty, rt is thd0$ as asset rfracw ofthe grant or dgnion is prObae once Ih05e eondthns are met. wh ts.me related conthion5 are imposed phe0 Dy a lunder. inen the kncome15 aPPj to lh¢ tirne perhx4s concemed.and. where is ior as 4 antt Snry on baarKc as ddctred inc¢me. When grants are recetved in a¢Jvan¢e ol Ihe expeftoiture C the xMylurKknJ by them. but thete ar no speth¢time rdated conttlh)ns, then Ihe Income ks n¢XtlrferT&J. Any ¢ondthon that ¥low3 lorthe recovery by the dIor ofany Unejwd1 partd a gwldoes ncrt wevent recogri ofthe income concerned, but a habikty any repaymem Is recogni5wJ tEpaymenl beGomes wobable. Flxod A550ts rangle fixed assets are measured 8t th•r oroind CO ¥. LY sutwuent revauatJn. iy rfdonated, as debe above. Costvue incljdes ou casts tslwded in bringmg the a¥0 ts u)t•n¢Jed tr)nd. DeprecialKtin has been pmvided at thefoknirwJ ths Hi crfdertotknit8 cifthe assdstothwathipated redud vdue Over thtyresM8ted u5Ul tive8. pnt and ma¢hinery 20 % strapjht 15
Manchester Lfterature Fesllval Umited Not•6 to th• Aeeounts for th• year ended 31 March 2025 Cr•dltor5 and prov151ons Fin•n¢lal In5twm•tts SnGludlng cash •nd bank b•lane•s Lag# neld by ine Chanty IS Incjuded 81 Ihe 8mourt ar courrtod the year ena. b¢85. 2 Llablllty to tsxatlon The TTU51ees considerthat the charrty sausfies the tests sei wt Par4r8ph 1 S¢heduk 6 of Ihe Finan¢e Act 2D1g for UK corporabon tax purposes. Ac¢ordingty, the Chaity is pthntiaty exempt taxation IN re8F¢cI of Orne or cap gains recenied vlllhifi categorie$ covered ty ¢hapter 3 part 11 d the ctyporat Tax Acl 2010 ¢y Secith z56 01 Ihe Taxation of Chargeabk Ga"ns Act 1992, to Ihe exient that suth in¢c¥ne or gwns are appked exdu5fft on the $P&Yfic charitae objacts clthecharity and lor crthtr wrr)se. 3 Wlndlng up or d15s01utlon of the charity If upon ndIng up or di88cAuttii of charity there rem•n any assets. thr the detts #nd "able5. &imi18r objects tothe eharity. 4 Slgnifi¢ance of financlaS In$trufflents to thè chorws posltton Thera art no synffitant implicabons re¢8ting to Ihe cartySfm F¢xIknI. 5 Net Surplus beforè tsx In thè Ilnanclal yèar 202S 2024 The net surwus beforetax ift Ihe finan)21 yew k% thr ¢nwwg:_ 050 2,805 Pen$kn cosls 2.815 6 Staff Costs and gmolurnents S¥lryeosts 2025 2024 93.816 4.181 93,484 S.135 Employe¢$ Nati0ft In9uran¢e forall st&Y EmpAoytf s operatiTrJ costs ¢f defined ntriLxJi¥Jn pjnsti) sGhame 2,815 2,805 Totsl •alades. wwo¥ and r¢latsd ¢OSIS 100,812 101.424 The avernoe num¢1UII lrne sl¥ff ofnF4%11 in the yewwa Enuaged on tharftsble aththes Engaged on wbmcty xbiritiES Engaged on fundrawng 16
Manchester LIrature Festlval Llmlted Not•s to th• Accounts lor the year gndod 31 March 2025 7 Deferred incomè. Unrestricted and oéglgnated fund8 Cuffffent Year In y•ar ArYdOUt)t• Ihen E1,000 1,627 11.627) 700 Total 1.627 1,627 700 2025 2024 Th•M defgrrots are In¢lud•d In crednorn 700 1.627 prtar Y••r In y•4r Amount$ less then £1.000 Tot•1 1.627 1.627 2024 The deferrals AT• In¢ludod In credttorn 17
Manchester Llterature Festival Limited Notes to the Accounts lor th• yèar •nd8d 31 March 202S 8 Tanglble fixed assets Motor Vghlcl8B Curr•ni Yew Land and Bulldin Pl•rti& M•¢hln¢ry Total Cost Al l April 202a 1S.886 15.666 At 31 Mareh 2025 15.668 15,866 At 1 April 2024 Charge lorthe year 13,656 13.656 At 31 March 202S 14,1S6 14.IS8 Nèt book ¥4lu• At 31 Mah 2025 1A10 At 31 March 2024 1010 9 Greditors: amounts failing due wlthln one year 2025 Z024 A¢tru$ 4.018 4,400 Defeffed Income. Unreglridpd X dÉsHJnatad IndS Deferred Income- Rostricted funds PAYE, NIC VAT and othor taxea OthercredAors 700 1.627 4,361 333 10.721 10 Inc*Jm• and Expgndlture account surnmary 202S 2024 At 1 Aprll 2024 At 1 AP 2024 sUu8 aftertèxf¢rlhe year 20.798 20,798 10.948 20.798 At31 Mah 2025 31.746 20.798 11 Particulars of how partlcular funds ire fepresented by assets and Ilabllttles At 31 March 2026 Fund# T¥Ibl Fe Assets CutrEnl Asseis C[n¢ LiaNrf 1.510 139.712 18.9471 132275 l.S10 139,712 (8,9471 132,275 18
Manchester Literature Fesiival Llmlte(I Notes to the A¢UnIS for th• yoar endod 31 March 2025 At 1 April ZL124 T•tsl lund Fund Tangib Fixed A88etB Fixed asset atrNt prograrnme rdaTea knvesimEnl¥ Current A$$ets Currént LiabIle$ 2.010 2.010 130,037 10.7201 121.327 130.037 110,7201 121.327 12 Change In total funds over the year as shown In Note 11 . anatywl by Individual fund• w4rdto 2026 In 202$ Unrnsirfcled•nddeslgn8ledfvnds unreStrtsed Revenue Fur¥J3 121,327 10,948 132376 T¢)ial unr•sffithd ¥nd de51gnatwl 121A27 10.948 131275 Total charitylunds 121,327 10,948 13Z.275 13 Analysis of movements In fund8 or th• year 8$ shown In Not• 12 I& MoYvAnvrt Loss In frJhd• 2026 Uftrestiicted Revenu• Funds 248.172 (237.224} 111,948 248.172 12373241 10,948 14 The purposes for which th• funds as d•tslled in notè 13 are held by the charity ar•:. Tttese a forihe rnE&r¥J dthe Gh•rity. andlo prowae reserves foffu¢ure aciMrie5. ar¥J . lo ch&fjty14¥¥lation, are tree Irrm 1 reslrkS cffl Ihdr u. Utyrmlirytled revenuefunds These luThYs 8re held forthe meeting 1h8 chamy. and to Re$trlcted RevenuE Funds purposes as d4*d Ncie 7 15 Ultlrnatè eontrolling party The ¢harfty is undtrrthe ofrts W mèmbers. 19
Manchester Literature Festsval Limited Detalled analysis of Income and expendlture for thè year ended 31 Mar¢h 2025 as r•quirèd by thÈ SORP 201S 17 Donation8, Grants and L•gaciÈs eurrenty••r Curtntyear CuFrertye•r UnYe8trfct¢d Re$ffict8d Total Fund Funds Funds PrforY••r Total Funds 2026 2026 2026 2024 Revenue grnnts from gov•rnment and publlc bodl Small gr8nts Individual les5 than £11KIO 3.427 3A27 Manchester Cty Counul- Oiher FUnlI¥j M8nchestÈr City Cne1- Cultur81 Partn•rship FuNJing 12.5LKI 12.51JO 12.500 Greater Manchester c(bined Autty 22.000 Clties Untold 30,129 MMU 2.267 NL Community Fund 8.620 We Love Manchesler Totsl publlc 8e¢lor revfrn grants 137.999 137,999 159.087 20
Manchester Literature Festlval Limited Detalle¢ analysis of Income and expendllure for the year cnded 31 March 2026 as rgqulrod by th• SORP 201S Cuvrerty••r cufftrttr Cuvv•nty•r PrltsrY•ar Unrestricw Tot•1 Fund> T+)lal Fund• Funds Funds 2025 2026 2025 2024 Rovenué orants and don#tlon$ Irom non publle bodies Srnall grants indlvKlualty less than £11JOO 1.758 1,768 4.936 Glft Aid Donalions from 8ubsidiarfjes Granada FOundan Waterstones 1.935 Contsct Theatre 1,272 3.033 3.033 2,288 Total prfvat¢ sector Tevgnu• grants 6.119 6.839 10,431 Revenue grants and donatlon• from non publlc bodlt• IIDelude GIftAld donatlons from 8ubsldlarl•s) - Prlor Year analysts Curronty•ar Currentyear ¢urrentyMr Ptlor Yr UnStr Totsl Funds Total Funds Funds Funds 202$ 2(12S 202$ 2024 Sponsornhlp Sponsofship In¢rAne 30.500 36,500 Total sponsornhlp Incom• Total Donations, Grants and Le9a¢ies Total Donations, Grants and Legacies 30.500 175.338 175.338 206,018 18 Income from charitable activltles- Trndlng Activities Current year Cuwtenty••r Curnnt year Cunrrtywr PrforY•ar T•tdl funds Funds Funds 2026 2025 2026 2024 Prlmary purpose and an¢lllary tradlng Sale ol goods and swices In acujrdan th the ehantys objocts 71361 61.899 71.261 Totsl Prlmary purpose and an¢lllary trndlng 71.261 71,261 61.899 21
ManGhe5ter Literature Festival Limlted Detsiled analysls of Incom• and expendlture for thè year ended 31 March 2025 as requlred by the SORP 2015 19 Total Income from Charftable a¢tl¥ltles Currentyw CuTr¢rtygar CurY•nty•at Uftrestrktsd Restrfthd Totsl Funds Fund Funds 202$ 202S Prlor Year CurTentye4r Total Fund• 21125 2024 Total inrne from charitable tradirvJ 71.261 71.261 81.899 Totsi from charltable actMt• 71.261 71.261 61,899 20 Investment inc¢Kne CuTr¢niy•ar Cllffentyr CuFrenty•ar prtor Y•ar T4)t•l Fund• Tolal Fund Furtds Fund8 202S 2025 2025 2024 Rgnk Int8r•sl RtvAh18 1.576 1.576 1,395 Total Investment Income 1.576 1.576 1.395 21 Expenditure on charitable activities - Diroct spending CurrrtYar curr0ntyl eurn8ntyo•r Prlorywr Unrestrlcted R•striGt•d Tattl Funas TOtsI Funds Funds Funds Current Year 2025 2025 2025 2024 Gross wages and salaries - charitable activities Employers, Nl - Charitsble activibes Defined contribulion pension costs charitable actsviti8s Travel and SubsistencE- Chalitable Aclivilie5 Marketing and advertising of charitable 88rvices Arliblb Costs Venue and production costs 93.816 93,810 93,484 4.181 4,181 5.135 2.815 2,805 2.479 2N7# 1,670 21.774 21.n4 23.628 34.304 8.151 65,773 9,502 8.151 Totsl direct spending 167,520 167.5ZO 191,997 22
Manchester Llterature Festlval Llmlted Detailvd analysls of InGome and expendlture for the yeaT ended 31 March 2025 as required by the4 SORP 2015 22 Support costs for charitable activities CuThntyear Currenty•ar CuTrvntytar Prloryear unr•str Totsl Funds Totsl Funds Funds Currenr Year 2026 2025 2025 2024 Employee costs not Included in dlrect costs Training and wèlfare- Staff Travel and Subsisten - stsff 1.906 2,512 991 2.512 2,922 Premlses Expenses Rent payable under operatlng leases Rates and water charge$ 8.080 8.080 7,153 298 Administrative overheads Telephone. fax and intemel Postage Stationery and printing Subscriptions to periodicals Health and safety costs Liabilty and contents insuran Sundry expenses 1.789 3.486 1,015 2.012 1.789 3,486 1,016 2,012 2.075 3,022 315 1,811 1.209 134 1,209 134 1.37 88 Professlonal fees pald to atyvlsors Olher than Ihe auditor orexamlner Consultancy fees 24.794 24.794 22.477 Financlal costs Bank charges Dapreciation & Arnortisation in total for 251 251 422 650 Support costs before reallocauon 57,574 57.S74 43,602 Total support costs- Current Year 57.574 Ff,F14 43,$02 ¢urr•rtty••r CuYr¢nty¢•r Currertyear unr•stsi¢tsd Restttcteo T¢Aal Fund Funds Funds Prloryear Total Fund$ cUt Year 202S 20215 202S 2ts24 Independent Examine¢$ fee$ 3.630 3.630 4,41S Totsl Govemance costs 3,630 3.630 4A15 l the expeftdtture in the prior swrvras unrestrided. 23
Manchester Ltterature Festival Limited Dètailod analysls of Income and expenditure for the year ended 31 March 2025 as requlred by the SORP 2015 23 Total Charitsble expendlture Cun•nlye•r Current y••r Currenty•ar Prlof Y•#r UnrF51rfmd Fynils Totsl Funds Totsl Fund$ Current Yèar Funos 2026 2025 2025 2024 Total direct spending Total charitable trading costs Total granlmaking costs Total support costs Total GovemaneA costs 167.520 187.S20 191.997 57.574 57.574 3.630 43,602 4M16 Total ¢hartiablè expendlture 228.724 228.724 240,014 All the exp¢ndlture in the 0[ year Yds un1r1C. prtorY••r PrlorY•ar Prforyear Unr•slIt¢ R•strlciod Total Fund# Fund8 Fund$ Prfor Year 2024 2024 2024 Total direct spending Total Charitable trading costs Total granlmaking costs Total support costs Total Govemanrs cfjsts 191,997 191.997 43.602 4.4f5 43,602 4,416 Total Charfiable expendlture 240.014 240,014 24 Expendlture on raisiny funds and costs of investment management Curr•nty•ar Cuvl•rttYr euvvgnty•ar PrforYe•r Totsl FurKIs Tgtèl Current Year Funds Ftsnd5 2025 21126 1025 2024 Agent's costs for fundraising 8.$00 Total fundral8lng costs 8.500 hjl the expenditure in the priuryearwas unrestrteo. 24