Charity registration number 1193943 (England and Wales)
BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Ms A J Giles Mr A J Morris Ms H Heslop Dr J M Ali-Knight Ms S M Canavar Ms E J Smith Ms A Gregg Mr S Heap (Appointed 18 September 2024)
Charity number (England and Wales) 1193943 Independent examiner Thorne & Co. 1 St Mary's Street Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire England HR9 5HT
BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Chair's Report | 1 - 2 |
| Trustees report | 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 12 |
BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
CHAIR'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The 2024/25 year was an immensely busy year for BAFA, the organisation conducted considerable work to undertake and complete the Festivals Mean Business 4: Festivals Forward Report commissioned from BOP Consulting with support from Arts Council England, Arts Council of Wales, and Creative Scotland. Funding was matched with the ongoing BAFA Collaborative Doctoral Award funding from Midlands4Cities, delivered through Birmingham City University, whose research continued in parallel with the Festivals Forward project.
As part of the Festivals Mean Business 4 programme of work, BAFA was able to engage a range of specialists to support a significant programme of organisational development, in which it worked with Tall Projects, DHA Communications, Julie’s Bicycle, Tonic, We are Coda and a range of partner organisations to support the research process and outcomes, put in place a programme of member support, rebrand and relaunch BAFA with a new website and identity, and lay the foundations for BAFA’s future development.
The 2024 Conference for Festivals, held at the Beacon in Bristol, saw the launch of the Festivals Forward report and opportunities for members to engage in discussions about fundraising, marketing, audience development, environmental sustainability, inclusion and more. The programme included keynotes and panels from a diverse range of speakers and organisations including Thangam Debbonaire, Jenny Harris/Bradford 2025, Chris Johnson/ Shambala Festival, Outdoor Arts UK and many festival representatives.
BAFA continued to represent the sector in industry meetings as part of Creative UK, European Festivals Association, Events Industry Forum and LIVE, and to support members through online meetings, 1:1 support and training.
The Welsh Festivals Forum, held in Wrexham in March 2025, was a positive opportunity to engage member and non-member festivals in Wales, and this bilingual event, run in close collaboration with Arts Council of Wales, also signalled the start of a closer working relationship with sister network, the Association of Independent Festivals.
BAFA has grown its programme of online member events, and this has included sessions on diversity and inclusion with Attitude is Everything, an exploration of the Green Events Code of Practice, a new partnership with the Institute of Place Management and member-led sessions exploring key topics.
BAFA’s membership continued to expand, including several new literature festival members, and the BAFA team continued a membership drive to grow and diversify the festival membership.
BAFA would like to extend our grateful thanks to all the members who contribute their support, knowledge and experience to the BAFA network, to Fiona Goh, BAFA’s Director who has led the organisation during this exceptionally busy period and the completion of Festivals Mean Business 4: Festivals Forward with the support of team members Rachel Brook, Amy Lord and Charlotte Wilkinson who have helped support the organisation during this period of significant delivery.
We extend our gratitude to the Board of Trustees, especially Sharon Canavar, who, despite stepping down as CoChair, remains a Trustee and has provided exceptional sector knowledge and strategic vision, and to Ashley Morris, the new Co-Chair, whose expertise in BAFA and the UK festival sector will bolster our collaborative efforts and sector support moving forward.
BAFA's plan for the coming year is to continue fundraising initiatives to enhance support for its members and the sector, all while maintaining a realistic outlook based on the current financial situation. It will be launching its Resilient Festivals programme, funded by Arts Council England, as part of the 2026 Conference for Festivals.
Arts festivals are vital to creativity, community, and cultural exchange across the UK, ranging from intimate gatherings to grand-scale events that highlight diverse artistic expressions. Their resilience and vibrancy contribute significantly to the cultural landscape, and supporting these festivals helps sustain the innovative spirit and economic vitality of the arts sector. We are proud to contribute to this vibrant ecosystem, ensuring that artists and audiences alike can continue to celebrate and benefit from the richness of arts festivals nationwide.
Erica Smith, BAFA Co-Chair
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BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
CHAIR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Date: 5 December 2025
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BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 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 constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and "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)" (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Financial review
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 at least 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.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). BAFA is governed by an 'Association' model constitution that sets out a board of trustees and voting rights for members at the Annual General Meeting.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Ms A J Giles
Mr A J Morris Dr A M Paterson (Resigned 10 December 2024) Ms H Heslop Dr J M Ali-Knight Ms S M Canavar Ms E J Smith Ms A Gregg Mr S Heap (Appointed 18 September 2024)
The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Ms E J Smith Trustee
5 December 2025
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BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of British Arts Festivals Association (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 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:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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.
Edward Richards
FCCA
1 St Mary's Street Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire HR9 5HT England
Dated: 5 December 2025
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BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 Notes £ £ £ £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 - 34,992 34,992 - 40,071 Other trading activities 4 36,761 - 36,761 25,794 - Investments 5 - - - 14 - Total income 36,761 34,992 71,753 25,808 40,071 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 32,667 66,637 99,304 24,958 9,627 Total expenditure 32,667 66,637 99,304 24,958 9,627 Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds 4,094 (31,645) (27,551) 850 30,444 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2024 13,320 30,444 43,764 12,470 - Fund balances at 31 March 2025 17,414 (1,201) 16,213 13,320 30,444 |
Total 2024 £ 40,071 25,794 14 |
|---|---|
| 65,879 34,585 |
|
| 34,585 | |
| 31,294 12,470 |
|
| 43,764 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Notes Current assets Debtors 11 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets The funds of the charity Restricted income funds 13 Unrestricted funds 14 |
2025 £ 2,721 17,669 20,390 (4,177) |
£ 16,213 (1,201) 17,414 16,213 |
2024 £ 4,025 42,986 47,011 (3,247) |
£ 43,764 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30,444 13,320 |
||||
| 43,764 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 5 December 2025
Ms E J Smith Trustee
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BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
British Arts Festivals Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Constitution, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) 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)" (effective 1 January 2019). 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.
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.
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BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 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.
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BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 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
| Restricted | Restricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Grants | 34,992 | 40,071 |
| Grants | ||
| Arts Council England | 24,857 | 31,071 |
| Arts Council of Wales | - | 9,000 |
| Creative Scotland | 10,000 | - |
| Other | 135 | - |
| 34,992 | 40,071 |
4 Income from other trading activities
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Non-charitable trading activities | 1,993 | 1,086 |
| Membership subscriptions and sponsorships | 22,320 | 17,985 |
| Fundraising events | 12,448 | 6,723 |
| Other trading activities | 36,761 | 25,794 |
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BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5 Income from investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Interest receivable | - | 14 |
| Expenditure on charitable activities | ||
| Charitable | Charitable | |
| expenditure | expenditure | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Direct costs | ||
| Wages and freelance | 24,456 | 17,236 |
| Subscriptions | 420 | 372 |
| Event costs | 4,598 | 4,635 |
| Insurance | 568 | 348 |
| Professional services and consultancy | 65,508 | 9,470 |
| Postage and stationery | 581 | 241 |
| Sundry expenses | 2,086 | 1,461 |
| Bank charges | 4 | 75 |
| 98,221 | 33,838 | |
| Share of support and governance costs (see note 7) | ||
| Governance | 1,083 | 747 |
| 99,304 | 34,585 | |
| Analysis by fund | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 32,667 | 24,958 |
| Restricted funds | 66,637 | 9,627 |
| 99,304 | 34,585 |
6 Expenditure on charitable activities
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BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
7 Accountancy
| Support costs Governance costs £ £ Accountancy and professional - 1,083 - 1,083 Analysed between Charitable activities - 1,083 |
2025 £ 1,083 1,083 1,083 |
2024 £ 747 |
|---|---|---|
| 747 | ||
| 747 |
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 | |
| Total | - | - |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
10 Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
11 Debtors
| Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2025 £ 2,721 - 2,721 |
2024 £ 3,845 180 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,025 |
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BRITISH ARTS FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 4,177 | 3,247 |
13 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.
The restricted funds have been received from Arts Council England, Arts Council of Wales & Creative Scotland for the final stages of Festivals Mean Business 4 (FMB4) research project published in 2025 which focused on data from UK wide festivals delivered in 2023 and now provides crucial information about how festivals have responded to the Covid-19 pandemic, what kinds of support they need to help them grow and develop in 2026 and beyond, and to help BAFA tell the story of this extraordinary sector.
| At Previous year: At |
1 April 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 March 2025 £ £ £ £ 30,444 34,992 (66,637) (1,201) 1 April 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 March 2024 £ £ £ £ - 40,071 (9,627) 30,444 |
|---|---|
14 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 General funds Previous year: At General funds |
1 April 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 March 2025 £ £ £ £ 13,320 36,761 (32,667) 17,414 1 April 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 March 2024 £ £ £ £ 12,470 25,808 (24,958) 13,320 |
|---|---|
15 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
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