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2025-08-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1157508 (England and Wales)

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

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

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees S Cheston
V L Roberts
A L Buckley
Charity registration England and Wales 1157508
Independent examiner Champion Accountants LLP
Unit 2 Olympic Court
Whitehills Business Park
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY4 5GU

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the financial statements 7 - 13

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

TRUSTEES' 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

The objects of the charity are the promotion of equality and diversity for the public benefit across Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde by:-

as the trustees shall, in duly constituted meetings, from time to time direct.

LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and refers to sexual orientation and gender reassignment, both protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

This year marked a historic milestone as we hosted our first three day outdoor Pride celebration on The Blackpool Tower Festival Headland, Blackpool Promenade, on the 6th, 7th and 8th of June. The event was a vibrant celebration of diversity, inclusion, and community spirit. The reason for the change of venue was in response to the community wanting to be visible on the Blackpool promenade in front of Blackpool Tower.

Listening to Our Community Following feedback from our community, they were much happier with pride being back in its outdoor setting—visible, accessible, and proudly situated on Blackpool’s iconic promenade. The outdoor space we used in 2024 was not ideal so in response, we committed to keeping the festival outside and for 2025 putting our event on The Tower Festival Headland. The most iconic spot in Blackpool.

This year saw the introduction of an act of remembrance on Sunday 8th June where we worked alongside a local organisation called Renaissance and The local LGBTQ+ Choir ‘The Electric Pink Voices Choir’ to deliver a moving memorial

Fundraising & Support We tirelessly fundraised throughout the year to raise the necessary funds to keep Pride in its outdoor setting.Thanks to the incredible support of our community, sponsors, and partners, we succeeded in securing enough funding to host the event on Blackpool Tower Festival Headland. This achievement reflects the power of collective effort and the importance of listening to those we serve.

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Record-Breaking Sponsorship We were proud to bring on board more sponsors than Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde Pride has ever had before. This year, we welcomed a fantastic mix of local businesses and national brands, including Tesco, Beaverbrook’s, and Glasdon. Their support not only helped make the event possible but also demonstrated a growing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion across all sectors.

Growing Our Team We are pleased to announce that we have continued to grow our committee, bringing on board new volunteers who are dedicated and passionate about making Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde Pride something our town and community can be proud of. We now have specific roles within the committee to help streamline our efforts and build a stronger foundation for the future. These roles include Fundraising Lead, Entertainment Coordinator, Youth Pride Coordinator, and more. This structure has allowed us to work more efficiently and deliver a more impactful event.

Wider Community Engagement This year, we have seen a significant increase in the number of entertainment and hospitality venues around the town that have come on board to support Pride. What’s particularly exciting is the shift in participation—from primarily LGBTQ+ venues to a broader range of businesses across Blackpool. This change reflects the town’s growing commitment to inclusivity and its celebration of diversity, showing that Pride is truly becoming a community wide event.

Youth Pride - Through the support of sponsors and our year-round fundraising efforts, we were thrilled to fully fund Youth Pride and make it completely free for the young people of Blackpool. Youth Pride is an integral part of our event, ensuring we create a safe, welcoming space where young people feel a sense of belonging. It also provides access to vital support services and resources that they may need. We are proud to continue investing in the next generation and ensuring they feel seen, supported, and celebrated. This year we partnered with UYA who also delivered a fringe Youth pride event at Blackpool central library on Sunday 8th June with over 400 young people participating.

Event Highlights

∙ Parade : Our Pride Parade featured 30 organisations and groups, making it the biggest parade in Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde Pride’s history.

Youth Pride Fringe Event with over 400 attendees. Youth Pride - All young people under the age of 18 accessed the main pride event for free. Memorial - Working alongside local organisations and services to raise awareness through our act of remembrance.

∙ Saturday featured performances by The Fizz, La Voix, Matt Terry, Remember Monday.

∙ Sunday was headlined byLiberty X. We featured local acts and community groups such as The Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Company, along with the award-winning ABBA tribute act, Kiss the Teacher.

Safety & Accessibility Working closely with the council and emergency services, we ensured a safe and welcoming environment for all. Accessibility was a key focus, with inclusive facilities and viewing areas provided.

Financial review

The results for the year are set out in the Statement of Financial Activities. The charity incurred a deficit for the year amounting to £8,036 ( 2024 : £3,689). At the Balance Sheet date, total reserves amounted to (£1,753) deficit (2024: £6,283 surplus), being unrestricted funds.

The trustees are aware of the requirement for the charity to maintain positive reserves and are taking steps in the current year to ensure this is the case.

Organising the festival required an investment exceeding £140,000, covering staging, sound, lighting, security, first aid, entertainment and more. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, and fundraising partners whose support made this event possible.

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has not been maintained throughout the year due to the nature of activities. The main focus of the charity is to stage an annual Pride Festival, and fund raising is carried out towards this each year. Once the Festival has taken place, the charity operates on very limited funds until such time as major sponsorship and ticket sales commence again.

Plans for future periods

The success of 2025 has set a new benchmark for our Pride celebrations. We are already planning for 2026, with a commitment to making the event even more inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a charitable incorporated organisation.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: S Cheston

V L Roberts A L Buckley Mr P D Day (Resigned 29 August 2025)

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

New trustees are appointed by the existing Board and selected by reference to their specific skills set that would compliment the other trustees. New trustees are referred to guidance from the Charities Commission in respect of their responsibilities.

The trustees meet at least 3 times per year and play a crucial role in the direction and vision for the charity and organisation of the annual festival.

Organisational structure

The trustees are responsible for organising the main event, along with the wider committee. All trustees have specific roles e.g. Youth Pride, Entertainment. Going forward trustees will be more advisory and quality assurance focussed and the committee will carry out the day to day work.

Acknowledgements

We extend heartfelt thanks to our volunteers, performers, sponsors, and every individual who contributed to making this festival a success. Your passion and dedication are the heartbeat of Pride.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

..............................

S Cheston

Trustee

Date: .............................................

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Blackpool Pride Festival (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 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.

Champion Accountants LLP

Unit 2 Olympic Court Whitehills Business Park Blackpool Lancashire FY4 5GU Date: ............................

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
23,661
41,641
Other trading activities
4
51,474
32,850
Other income
5
1,998
-
Total income
77,133
74,491
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
85,169
74,491
Total expenditure
85,169
74,491
Net expenditure and
movement in funds
(8,036)
-
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 September
2024
6,283
-
Fund balances at 31 August
2025
(1,753)
-		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
65,302
23,364
-
84,324
32,104
22,400
1,998
542
-
151,624
56,010
22,400
159,660
59,699
22,400
159,660
59,699
22,400
(8,036)
(3,689)
-
6,283
9,972
-
(1,753)
6,283
-		 Total
2024
£
23,364
54,504
542
78,410
82,099
82,099
(3,689)
9,972
6,283

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

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025

2025
Notes
£
£
Current assets
Debtors
12
1,083
Cash at bank and in hand
1,307
2,390
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
13
(4,143)
Net current (liabilities)/assets
(1,753)
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
15
(1,753)
(1,753)		 2024
£
1,194
6,029
7,223
(940)		 £
6,283
6,283
6,283

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on ......................... 9/06/26

.............................. S Cheston Trustee

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

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

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Blackpool Pride Festival 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. 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.

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.

Grants are recognised as income when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

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 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.

1.7 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.

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

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
23,661
18,241
Grants
-
23,400
23,661
41,641		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
41,902
23,364
-
23,400
-
-
65,302
23,364
-		 Total
2024
£
23,364
-
23,364

4 Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Event ticket sales
42,266
-
Stall and bar revenue
9,208
-
Event sponsorship
-
32,850
Other trading activities
51,474
32,850		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
42,266
26,679
-
9,208
5,425
-
32,850
-
22,400
84,324
32,104
22,400		 Total
2024
£
26,679
5,425
22,400
54,504

5 Other income

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Other income 1,998 522
Merchandise sales - 20
1,998 542

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

6 Expenditure on charitable activities

Charitable Charitable
expenditure expenditure
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Merchandise - (2)
Event production costs 148,378 77,279
Heallth & safety costs 590 -
Event consumables 226 175
Traffic management costs 2,893 800
Printing, posting, stationery & advertising 772 563
Insurance 4,706 1,420
Computer running costs 409 353
Travel expenses - 297
Other charitable expenditure 298 314
158,272 81,199
Share of support and governance costs (see note 7)
Governance 1,388 900
159,660 82,099
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 85,169 59,699
Restricted funds 74,491 22,400
159,660 82,099
7 Support costs allocated to activities
2025 2024
£ £
Governance costs 1,388 900
Analysed between:
Accountancy charges 1,388 900
8 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 1,088 900

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

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

9 Trustees

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

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
Total - -

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

11 Taxation

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

12 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2025
£
801
-
282
1,083		 2024
£
502
475
217
1,194

13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
1,711
280
2,152
4,143		 2024
£
-
40
900
940

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

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

14 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2025
2024
£ £ £ £
- - - -
Pride event sponsorship - 32,850 (32,850) -
Blackpool Council funding - 24,041 (24,041) -
Lottery Grant - 17,600 (17,600) -
- 74,491 (74,491) -
Previous year: At 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2024
2023
£ £ £ £
Pride event sponsorship - 22,400 (22,400) -

Restricted funds comprise sponsorship, grants and funding given for the production of the Pride Festival.

15 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 6,283 77,133 (85,169) (1,753)
Previous year: At 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2024
2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 9,972 56,010 (59,699) 6,283

BLACKPOOL PRIDE FESTIVAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

16 Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
At 31 August 2025:
Current assets/(liabilities) (1,753)
(1,753)
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
At 31 August 2024:
Current assets/(liabilities) 6,283
6,283

17 Related party transactions

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