REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07129908 {England and Wales)
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1138309
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
FOR
THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
Gibson Booth Limited
12 Victoria Road
Barnsley
South Yorkshire
S70 2BB

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
Page
Reference and Administrative Details
Report of the Trustees
Independent Examiner's Report
7 to 8
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
10 to 11
Notes to the Financial Statements
12 to 16

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
TRUSTEES
P R Beere
Ms F Johnstone (resigned 18.4.241
H A Stephenson
N C Stevens
Ms M Bedford
REGISTERED OFFICE
17 Montalbo Road
Barnard Castle
Co. Durham
DL12 8BP
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER 07129908 {England and Wales)
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER
1138309
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Gibson Booth Limited
12 Victoria Road
Barnsley
South Yorkshire
570 2BB
Page I

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 202S
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their
report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 28 February 2025. The trustees have
adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by 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 IFRS 102) (effective ljanuary 20191.
OBJEcfivES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The Brass in Concert Championship is a charitable, brass band music festival and youth brass development
organisation based in the North East of England at our resident auditorium of The Glasshouse International
Centre for Music, formerly known as The Sage Gateshead. As at the end of the period the Brass in Concert
organisation has successfully delivered 47 annual festivals and over recent years has expanded its mission
through a relationship with Newcastle and Northumberland music hubs (Music Partnership Northl to deliver
a growing number of elementary youth brass educational projects.
The festival is widely considered the most prestigious brass band entertainment festival in the World and
remains dedicated to supporting and promoting brass banding activities through showcasing the finest and
World's highest ranked brass bands.
Page 2

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
OBJEcfivES AND AcfiviTIES
Significant activities
The financial period 2024-2S was again a period where the board focused on the fast-changing landscape of
brass band contests and events and how we as an organisation and charitable entity should respond to the
evolving requirements and needs expected by our audiences, brass musicians, sponsors, and partners.
Finding a balance between what has undoubtedly been the very successful festival delivery model of the past
and maintaining the culture and heritage of the festival whilst also embracing the right exciting new
opportunitie5 to safeguard this unique and vital part of the Brass Band calendar and ensuring it remains
relevant and structured in both artistic, governance and financial terms for the long term has been central to
our thinking and decision making throughout the period.
Our careful consideration of the drivers that affect the decisions of our loyal but increasingly cost-conscious
stakeholders who are still clearly sensitive to the rising cost of living, operational costs for the bands and
commercial expenses for our sponsors has been essential. As stated in last year's report, the much higher
hotel and travel costs to come to weekend festivals such as Brass in Concert has influenced audiences in
being more choosey on which brass band events they will attend and our audience survey data is showing
that patrons are evaluating which events are giving them the best experience for their money. From an
audience perspective we have therefore made decisions in 2025 that focus on all aspects of their experience.
From catering facilities to the schedule of the weekend and the artistic content, we continue to review each
component from the audience's perspective.
Similarly, the competing bands now have to consider the high costs of attending and performing compared to
the other concerts and contests in their diaries whilst also recognising the enjoyment and satisfaction their
playing members are getting from each performance. They are, in entertainment industry term5, "the stars of
the show.. For the Brass in Concert board this has meant that we are continuously looking for ways to ensure
that coming to the festival is not only memorable but aspirational for our performers both at the youth and
elite level.
Finally, our sponsors and funder5 3150 face many commercial pressures and options as to where they should
place their brand, services, or support funding. To respond to this, we have ensured that sponsors are
engaged on a true win-win basis ensuring we as a board are committed to regular dialogue with them on any
and all activities that make Brass in Concert the right place for them to invest their resources. World of Bra55
{SATCoL) our principal partner, The Banks Group and Yamaha Music once again were front and central to our
delivery and financial stability in 2025.
The results of all the above and the resulting decisions the board has made ensured that 2025 was again a
very successful year in the planned positioning of the event in terms of its future, it being seen as a flagship
event in our sector and the steps we have taken to give it a firm foundation on which to build for the future.
The evidence for this may not be seen at this point in the bottom-line financials, which show a broadly
neutral year, but the board strongly believes the other measures that are vital to the health of the charity
show resilience in a very difficult market. Our ticket sales remain incredibly strong,. our sponsors remain
committed to long-term partnerships and the band5 that perform are showing increasingly that Brass in
Concert is an event they want to perform at and be a part of.
Page 3

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
OBJEcfivES AND AcfiviTIES
Our educational projects and activities underwent a complete change of direction in 2025 as the decision not
to continue with our Aspire programme took further effect. We had evaluated there was a greater need and
legacy opportunity in reviving Youth Brass in Concert as the UK'S only entertainment contest for elite youth
bands. It has also meant changing our focus by utilising our partnership with Brass Bands England to fund
building resources that could be used on an ongoing basis in Schools as teaching aids in brass instrument
tuition rather than Brass in Concert arranging performance activities at the festival itself. This change in
strategy and the outcomes from the financial period being reported are still under review by the board.
In specific terms all this translate5 to the festival being shaped with an ongoing pause in presenting a gala
concert which is commercially high risk. We do, however, remain open to future creative formats for a gala
concert that could be financially viable on a case-by-case basis. The Championship remains the highly
successful centre piece for the weekend and the resurrection of Youth Brass in Concert on Sunday is proving
to be a cornerstone of the weekend and vital for the longer-term future of brass banding in the UK. It is
important to note that Youth Brass in Concert is only made possible through the close partnership we have
with Glasshouse International Centre for Music who have helped to make thi5 commercially and financially
viable.
Box office sales were again excellent with approximately 1,500 in attendance for the Championship and 600
enthusiastic attendees for Youth Brass in Concert.
The audience feedback process again delivered a good response rate that continues to give us improved data
on which to continue to design and build the festival components, marketing approach and channels to
ensure further success for the festival in the future.
We continued to develop the new element of the festival introduced in 2022 of a festival party enabling
players and audience to mingle and socialise and this increasingly gave a much more interactive setting for
the formal results ceremony on the concourse areas where the musicians congregate.
The seeded draw for the Championship continues to successfully stabilise audience numbers in the
auditorium throughout the day.
Finally, and significantly of note is the board's decision that for reasons of long-term risk reduction, financial
underpinning, and long-term growth, that it is essential to look at a major review and overhaul of the
governance of Brass in Concert Championship Ltd and the associated registered charity. This extends to the
composition of the board and its close affiliation with Brass Bands England. The board has looked to engage
suitable legal and financial advisors to SUPPOrt this review and has commenced discussions with Brass Bands
England on the scope and rationale for it. It is planned that this review will be complete in a timescale to
ensure that any resulting decisions and actions from it can be put forward as motion5 to the AGM for this
accounting year.
Page 4

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
The Bras5 in Concert Championship continues to provide 3 platform for the finest brass bands in the world to
entertain and display, free of artistic restriction, their excellence as performers of high-quality original and
arranged brass band music.
This is achieved through creative and inspiring programmes and presentations reflecting the most current
and progressive form of the genre, designed to appeal to both the general listener and enthusiasts of the
discipline alike.
Our Youth and Education activities are progressively being designed to showcase all that is good in live music
and deliver and support opportunity for young people to have the right to sample and learn a brass or
percussion instrument regardless of background albeit the focus has changed in the period from live
performance to in class education support.
We have continued to mature our connectivity with Brass Bands England (BBEI and successfully renewed and
utili5ed the support Se￿iceS partnership for the delivery of project and event management, marketing, and
artlStic advisory to Brass in Concert. This partnership agreement has been duly approved by the board and
authorised by the CEO and all financial implications have been included in the 2024125 accounts and 2025/26
budgets by our Finance Director.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
It continues to be challenging to develop an event which can break even and start to generate surpluses to
invest in the festival further. Since the pandemic we have continued to trial various options to find the most
effective way forward, both artistically as well as financially. As stated in the final paragraph of the above
'Objectives & Activities" the board has taken steps in terms of a significant governance review to secure the
festivals long term future. The board recognise that this is a critical step in being able to continue the
development of the festival and to facilitate a multi-year approach looking at all the funding sources available
to us.
Grants received
We would like to thank the following organisations for their support through the awarding of grants in the
year:
- The Barbour Foundation
- The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust
- The Durham Freemasons Charity
- The Joicey Trust
The Sir James Knott Trust
The William Webster Charitable Trust
Page 5

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
The reserves that we have set aside provide financial stability and the means for the development of our
principal activity. We intend to maintain our reserves at a level which is at least equivalent to £25,000. An
appraisal of the Reserves plan will be beneficial alongside the overall Governance review which is in progress.
We intend to use the reserves to invest in and develop the Brass in Concert Festival event over this time
frame. The Board annually reviews the amount of reserves that are required to ensure that they are
adequate to fulfil our continuing obligations.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company,
limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
Changes to the Board of Trustees
There has been one change to the Board of Trustees in the year. Fiona Johnson resigned on 18 April 2024.
Governance
The board ha5 continued to hold both trustee and operational meetings online during this financial period,
agreeing that it delivered excellent result5 in conducting bu5ine55 effectively and in terms of cost savings.
On-site meetings at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead (formerly known as The Sage
Gateshead) were limited to two occasions in the period.
In Conclusion
This period was again notable for the continuing successful delivery of the Brass in Concert Championship,
and Youth Brass in Concert at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead. This was only made
possible through the strengthening of the partnerships in place with our sponsors {WorSd of Brass, Banks
Group, Yamaha Music) and our delivery partner (Brass Bands England).
The board has worked diligently throughout this financial period to continue the progress made in 2024 and it
looks forward to managing another very successful 48th Bras5 in Concert in 2025 whilst also initiating a sub
committee to evaluate a broader festival for the event's 50th anniversary in 2027.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 31 July 2025 and signed on it5 behalf by..
N C Stevens- Trustee
Page 6

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Brass In Concert Championship ('the Company'l
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended
28 February 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company lawl you are
responsible for the preparation of the account5 in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act
20061'the 2006 Act'l.
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{51 (bl of the
2011 Art.
Page 7

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
Independent examiner'5 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:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006
Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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
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 IFRS 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.
SJknJ M
Scott Mell
Gibson Booth Limited
12 Victoria Road
Barnsley
South Yorkshire
S70 2B8
Page 8

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES
(INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
Period
1.2.23
to
29.2.24
Total
funds
Year Ended
28.2.25
Total
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
fund
Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
9,598
7,000
16,598
11,390
Other trading activities
Investment income
96.568
131
96,568
131
85,308
Total
106,297
113,297
96,700
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Provision of events
110,071
2,712
112,783
101,864
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
13,774)
4,288
514
(5,1641
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
27,935
27,935
33,099
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
24,161
4,288
28,449
27,935
The note5 form part of these financial statements
Page 9

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
BALANCE SHEET
28 FEBRUARY 2025
28.2.25
Total
funds
29.2.24
Total
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
fund
Notes
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Cash at bank
601
27,755
601
32,043
4,288
30,197
28,356
4,288
32,644
30,197
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
(4,195)
(4,19S)
(2,2621
CURRENT ASSETS
24,161
4,288
28,449
27,935
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
24,161
4,288
28,449
27,935
NET ASSETS
24,161
4,288
28,449
27,935
FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
24,161
4,288
27,935
TOTAL FUNDS
28,449
27,935
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for
the year ended 28 February 2025.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year
ended 28 February 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
{a}
ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387
of the Companies Act 2006 and
preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable
company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each 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 financial statements, so far as applicable to the
charitable company.
(b}
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 10
continued...

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
BALANCE SHEET- continued
28 FEBRUARY 2025
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable
companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 31 July 2025
and were signed on its behalf by:
N C Stevens- Trust
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 11

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PERIOD
The reporting period is 12 months to 28 February 2025. The comparative figures relate to a 13 month
period from l February 2023 to 29 February 2024. Therefore the comparatives figure are not wholly
comparable to the new period.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102,
have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 'Accounting and Reporting by
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 IFRS
1021 (effective l January 2019),, Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements
have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Significant judgements and estimates
No judgements have been made in the process of applying the below accounting policies that have
had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements.
There are no key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty
at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the
funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation
committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be
required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is
accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost
related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have
been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objective5 at the discretion of the
trustees.
Page 12
continued...

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
ACCOUNTING POLICIES- continued
Fund accounting
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity.
Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted
purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial
statements.
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Period
1.2.23
to
29.2.24
Year Ended
28.2.25
Ticket and programme sales
Media and advertising
Sponsorship and streaming
Hotellcatering sales
Prize donations
School hub match funding
Coach parking
Performance lighting
59,366
1,400
25,796
7,243
1,500
55,183
2,075
25,280
1,500
300
70
900
163
1,100
96,568
85,308
INVESTMENT INCOME
Period
1.2.23
to
29.2.24
Year Ended
28.2.25
Deposit account interest
131
Page 13
continued...

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 28 February 2025 nor for
the period ended 29 February 2024.
Trustees, expenses
The reimbursement of trustees expenses during the period was £3,18512024- £1,107).
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
28.2.25
29.2.24
Other debtors
601
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
28.2.25
29.2.24
Trade creditors
VAT
Accruals and deferred income
476
174
3,545
512
1,750
4,195
2,262
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
in funds
At
28.2.25
At 1.3.24
Unrestricted funds
General fund
27,935
(3,774)
24,161
Restricted funds
Durham Feemasons
4,288
4,288
TOTAL FUNDS
27,935
514
28,449
Page 14
continued...

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Movement
in funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
106,297
(110.071)
(3.774)
Restricted funds
Durham Feemasons
(2,712)
4,288
TOTAL FUNDS
113,297
(112,783)
514
Comparatives for movement in funds
Net
movement
in funds
At
29.2.24
At 1.2.23
Unrestricted funds
General fund
33,099
15,164}
27,935
TOTAL FUNDS
33,099
15,164)
27,935
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Movement
in funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
96,700
1101,864)
15,164)
TOTAL FUNDS
96,700
(101,8641
15,1641
Page 15
continued...

THE BRASS IN CONCERT CHAMPIONSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued
Restricted funds
Grants were received from Durham Freemasons Charity in order to help youngsters Within the
province of Durham to achieve their potential through education and training. At 28 February 2025
£4,288 was unspent.
RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
During the year £1,000 {2024 £1,000) was paid to Aruba Blue Limited in respect of financial
management services. Ms M Bedford, Trustee, is also a director of Aruba Blue Limited
Page 16