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2025-08-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1156217 (England and Wales)

LICHFIELD ARTS

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

LICHFIELD ARTS

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Mr P Harvey Mr T Perks Mr A Hope

Mr A K Jones

(Appointed 20 December 2024) (Appointed 20 December 2024)

Charity number (England and Wales) 1156217

Charity registration England and Wales 1156217

Principal address Donegal House Bore Street Lichfield Staffordshire United Kingdom WS13 6LU

LICHFIELD ARTS

CONTENTS

Page
report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Statement of financial position 6
Notes to the financial statements 7 - 14

LICHFIELD ARTS

REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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 (FRS 102)".

Objectives and activities

Objectives and aims

The charity's principal objective is to inspire and enrich our community through the transformative power of the arts. By ensuring the quality and relevance of our programmes and partnerships, we strive to create opportunities for the Lichfield District community and beyond. We are committed to being bold in our efforts to address and reduce inequalities in access to artistic experiences and opportunities, ensuring that everyone can participate in and benefit from the arts. Our mission is to increase quality access to the arts across Lichfield District.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Over the period 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025 we were able to operate with no restrictions, with the charity's Trustees having due regard at all times to guidance published by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

Staffing and volunteers

A new position was established for a volunteer co-ordinator and filled, and additional administration staff were recruited to support the Operations Manager in his role. Staffing and volunteers

During the year, Simon Horton and Laurelin Griffiths stood down as trustees, and we were delighted to welcome two new trustees to the team: Adrian Hope and Andy Jones. After many years of service as chair, Phil Beale stood down from this position and resigned as a trustee at the charity’s AGM. Peter Harvey was elected as the new chair.

LICHFIELD ARTS

REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Achievements and performance

Lichfield Arts is focused on ensuring that Lichfield and the surrounding area has a thriving arts community, and that all residents and visitors can experience and be inspired by a diverse range of arts. We are proud to say that, on the occasion of our 50th anniversary, this year proved very successful in meeting these objectives.

We delivered a wide programme of cultural activity across the city and wider district, reaching thousands of people through free, inclusive festivals, year-round programmes, and creative development opportunities. From large-scale public events to targeted pathways for emerging artists and young people, Lichfield Arts brought culture into everyday spaces and strengthened Lichfield’s creative life.

Our flagship Fuse Festival in July, in Beacon Park, celebrated a quarter-century of free, high-quality, inclusive live music and arts in the heart of Lichfield, attracting an audience of 17,500 over three days.

The well-established Lichfield Jazz & Blues Festival and Lichfield Festival of Folk once again played a vital role in the city’s cultural calendar, delivering high-quality live music across venues in the city and the wider district.

Supported by Arts Council England, we ran our Future Leaders in Outdoor Arts programme throughout the year, creating clear pathways into the creative industries for young people across Lichfield District.

Our ECCO (Explore, Create, Connect) outreach programme, funded by Lichfield District Council, delivered placebased cultural activity in neighbourhoods across Lichfield District, particularly in areas with fewer opportunities to engage with the arts.

Our Emerging Talent Programme grew to become one of the most important elements of our activities. We celebrated and invested in young creative voices across many art forms, offering mentoring, skills development and real-world opportunities to emerging artists at the beginning of their creative journey.

During the year, 25,000 people were engaged with our activities; 187 volunteers were involved in delivering our programmes and events; and 577 artists were given opportunities to perform in the city and beyond.

Financial review

Overview

The charity continued where it left off the previous year in delivering a good financial outturn, comprising a surplus for the year of £3,742 and cash balances of £36,612 at year end.

Both income and expenditure were approximately 15% higher than last year. This was due largely to bigger contributions from the Fuse Festival and our Special Projects (Future Leaders in Outdoor Arts and ECCO).

Reserves policy

The trustees aim to maintain unrestricted reserves sufficient to cover the basic running costs of Lichfield Arts, along with any other foreseeable expenses, for approximately 12 months. In this way, the trustees can be comfortable that the charity can meet its commitments and cover any unexpected expenditure.

Available, unrestricted reserves at the end of the year (excluding amounts already owed to suppliers) were £36,612, which is above this target threshold.

LICHFIELD ARTS

REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Structure, governance and management

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

During the year, trustees carried out a comprehensive strategy review, implemented a new risk management protocol, provided financial oversight and operational support, and ensured legal compliance. Particular emphasis was given to the introduction of a comprehensive safeguarding policy and the training and appointment of two Designated Safeguarding Officers. The board continues to seek additional trustees to join them in moving the charity forward.

Trustees

Mr P Harvey Mr T Perks Mr A Hope (Appointed 20 December 2024) Mr A K Jones (Appointed 20 December 2024)

The report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr P Harvey

Mr T Perks

20 May 2026

LICHFIELD ARTS

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF LICHFIELD ARTS

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Lichfield Arts (the charity) for the year ended 31 August 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

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 that in any material respect:

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 financial statements to be reached.

20 May 2026

LICHFIELD ARTS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
48,181
38,710
Charitable activities
4
155,583
-
Total income
203,764
38,710
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Fundraising and
publicity
5
27,850
-
Trading costs
5
3,463
-
31,313
-
Charitable activities
6
168,709
38,710
Total expenditure
200,022
38,710
Net income and movement in
funds
3,742
-
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 September
2024
32,870
-
Fund balances at 31 August
2025
36,612
-		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
86,891
37,166
2,544
155,583
170,798
-
242,474
207,964
2,544
27,850
31,690
-
3,463
4,283
-
31,313
35,973
-
207,419
166,808
2,544
238,732
202,781
2,544
3,742
5,183
-
32,870
27,687
-
36,612
32,870
-		 Total
2024
£
39,710
170,798
210,508
31,690
4,283
35,973
169,352
205,325
5,183
27,687
32,870

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

LICHFIELD ARTS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Current assets
Stocks
12
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
14
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
16		 2025
£
2,330
4,264
51,494
58,088
5,858
18,418
24,276		 £
2,800
33,812
36,612
36,612
36,612		 2024
£
-
7,437
32,149
39,586
-
10,216
10,216		 £
3,500
29,370
32,870
32,870
32,870

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 20 May 2026

LICHFIELD ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Lichfield Arts is an unincorporated charity.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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 (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

LICHFIELD ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittings 33% on cost

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

LICHFIELD ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.12 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

LICHFIELD ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
46,268
38,710
Membership fees
1,913
-
48,181
38,710		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
84,978
36,906
2,544
1,913
260
-
86,891
37,166
2,544		 Total
2024
£
39,450
260
39,710

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Other trading activities
Bar takings 72,574 61,533
Fuse income 21,400 19,265
Events tickets 59,209 88,796
Raffles and sundry fundraising 269 895
Sundry income 2,131 109
Equipment hire/storage income - 200
155,583 170,798

LICHFIELD ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

5 Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Office rent and room hire 3,878 3,734
Insurance 1,679 1,554
Staff costs 20,666 24,975
Depreciation and impairment 700 875
Telephone 927 552
27,850 31,690
Trading costs
Postage and stationery 461 1,473
Genral administration costs 1,124 886
Accountancy 1,020 820
Bank charges 858 1,104
3,463 4,283
Total costs 31,313 35,973
6 Expenditure on charitable activities
Other Other
trading trading
activities activities
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 11,193 1,918
Bar purchases and costs 36,485 13,213
FUSE expenditure 82,017 62,635
Event costs 65,877 69,109
Marketing 6,886 12,182
Staging and other costs 4,961 10,295
207,419 169,352
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 168,709 166,808
Restricted funds 38,710 2,544
207,419 169,352

LICHFIELD ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

7 Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements - -
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 700 875

8 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

9 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
2 2
Employment costs 2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 28,981 24,719
Social security costs 1,952 1,337
Other pension costs 926 837
31,859 26,893

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

LICHFIELD ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

11 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 September 2024
At 31 August 2025
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 September 2024
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 August 2025
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2025
At 31 August 2024
12
Stocks
Raw materials and consumables
13
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
14
Other creditors falling due within one year
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 Fixtures and
fittings
£
6,079
6,079
2,579
700
3,279
2,800
3,500		 Fixtures and
fittings
£
6,079
6,079
2,579
700
3,279
2,800
3,500
6,079
2,579
700
3,279
2,800
3,500
2025
£
2,330
2025
£
-
4,264
4,264
2025
£
10,555
7,863
18,418		 2024
£
-
2024
£
1,410
6,027
7,437
2024
£
7,596
2,620
10,216

LICHFIELD ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

15 Retirement benefit schemes
2025 2024
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 926 837

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

16 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2025
2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 32,870 203,764 (200,022) 36,612
Previous year: At 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2024
2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 27,687 207,964 (202,781) 32,870

17 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).