Trustee Annual Report For the period June 2024 – May 2025
Charity’s Story
Big Top Arts continues to grow as a vibrant, creative force that uses circus arts to bring joy, confidence, and opportunity to children and communities around the world. Our mission is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to the transformative power of play, performance, and teamwork.
Over the past year, we’ve seen incredible momentum. In Thailand, thousands of children took part in our circus programs, gaining new skills, laughter, and friendships. Our 2024 tour in February reached 3,000 participants across 23 days, featuring 30 workshops and 30 shows — a wonderful celebration of creativity and connection. From April to October, we continued to build on that energy, with more than 1,000 participants taking part in workshops, performances, and intensive training sessions led by our dedicated trainers-intraining, including KKB (Karen Mingrant/ Refugee center), Saw (Young offenders orphanage), and New Wave (migrant school). Highlights included the Charlene July project, the Jules November trainers’ program, and our November collaboration with Spoon/Play Circus. Altogether, we engaged 4,532 participants through 53 workshops and 38 shows — an amazing testament to the community’s enthusiasm and hard work.
Financial Explanation
This year’s financial results reflect strong management and continued support from our donors and partners. Between June 2024 and May 2025, Big Top Arts recorded a net profit of £8,773.89, demonstrating healthy growth and careful stewardship of resources. Our total overheads of £7,320.92 covered essential costs such as website development (£1,241.14). These investments keep our operations running smoothly and support our outreach and engagement efforts.
We also invested in our people, with £1,360.42 dedicated to training — a key part of ensuring the quality and safety of our programs. Overall, this year’s positive balance shows that we are in a stable financial position, ready to expand our programs and continue delivering meaningful impact.
Governance and Management
Big Top Arts is governed by a dedicated team of trustees who oversee the charity’s strategic direction, compliance, and financial management. Together, we ensure that all decisions align with our mission and values, maintaining transparency and accountability in every aspect of our work. The trustees are supported by an amazing team of staff and volunteers whose commitment and creativity bring our vision to life every day.
This year, we were particularly grateful for the grant awarded by WNSET, which will help us develop our trading arm and strengthen our long-term sustainability. Regular meetings, open communication, and a shared sense of purpose keep our governance strong and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities that lie before us. Our early 2025 programs have already engaged nearly 5,000 participants across 15 days of activity, including a February tour that reached 4,207 children and an April camp with 740 young participants enjoying 22 workshops and 19 shows.
We aim to continue growing our impact by expanding partnerships, nurturing new trainers, and increasing access to circus arts for even more communities around the world. With strong foundations and a passionate team, Big Top Arts is ready to take the next steps in its journey — inspiring creativity, building confidence, and spreading joy wherever the circus goes.
Prepared by the Trustees of Big Top Arts
Big Top Arts
Balance Sheet Report
To: 31 May, 2025
| ASSETS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Assets | ||
| 0040 - Fixtures and fittings - Cost | 7,022.34 | |
| Total Fixed Assets | £7,022.34 | |
| Current Assets | ||
| 1200 - Bank Account- Main | 1,951.10 | |
| 1230 - PayPal | 104.02 | |
| Total Current Assets | £2,055.12 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | £9,077.46 | |
| LIABILITIES | ||
| Current Liabilities | ||
| 2207 - Employee Reimbursement- Charlene | 303.57 | |
| Total Current Liabilities | £303.57 | |
| Future Liabilities | ||
| Total Future Liabilities | £0.00 | |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | £303.57 | |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | £8,773.89 | |
| EQUITY | ||
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| Net Profit / Loss | 8,773.89 | |
|---|---|---|
| Net Profit / Loss (current year) | 8,773.89 | |
| TOTAL EQUITY | £8,773.89 |
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