2024-03-31-accounts

Brighton Dome and Festival Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Registered number: 00889184 Charity number: 249748

CONTENTS

	Page
The Trustees’ Annual & Strategic Report	2 - 18
Independent Auditor’s Report	19 - 21
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities	22
Consolidated Balance Sheet	23
Company Balance Sheet	24
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows	25
Notes to the Financial Statements	26 - 47

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL AND STRATEGIC REPORT

The Trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with the accounts, which includes both the Trustees’ Report and Strategic Report for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Reference and administrative details

Charity number: 249748

Company number: 00889184

Principal Office: The Dance Space, 2 Market Square, Circus Street, Brighton, BN2 9AS

Banker: Metro Bank, 79-82 North St, Brighton, BN1 1ZA

Auditors: Haysmacintyre LLP, 10 Queen Street Place London, EC4R 1AG

Directors and Trustees:

The Directors of the charitable company (the Charity) are its Trustees for the purposes of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the Trustees.

The Trustees serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:

Mr Danny Homan – Chair Mr Judah Armani Dr Susan Baxter (appointed 23 January 2024) Ms Nicola Briggs Ms Lucy Davies (resigned 20 May 2024) Mr Duncan James Mr Nick Juba Mr Jordan Kensington (resigned 26 September 2023) Ms Melanie Lewis Mr Christopher Martin Mr Peter McCusker Cllr Phelim MacCafferty (resigned 24 July 2023) Cllr Jaqueline O’Toole-Quinn Ms Elizabeth Simpson Cllr Jill Stevens (resigned 4 July 2024)

Officers and Executive Management

The current officers, and those who served during the period, are as follows:

Mr Andrew Comben – Chief Executive and Company Secretary (resigned 4 July 2024) Ms Kyla Booth-Lucking – Director of Programming and Participation (job-share) Ms Carole Britten – Director of Marketing & Audiences Ms Beth Burgess – Director of Production, Festival Executive Producer Mr Peter Chivers – Director of Music & Arts Ms Zoe Curtis – Director of Visitor & Venue Services Ms Maxine Hort – Director of Operations Mrs Laura Keogh – Director of Human Resources Ms Tanya Peters – Director of Programming and Participation (job-share) Mrs Robyn Rhodes – Company Secretary (appointed 4 July 2024)

Disclosure of Information to Auditor

Insofar as each of the Trustees of the Company at the date of approval of this report is aware there is no relevant audit information (information needed by the Company’s auditor in connection with preparing the audit report) of which the Company’s auditor is unaware. Each Trustee has taken all of the steps that he/she should

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

have taken as a Trustee in order to make himself/herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

Auditor

Appointment of auditors for the financial year ending 31 March 2024 will be proposed and discussed at a future meeting of the Board in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

Principal activities

Artistic Ambition

Brighton Dome

The 2023/24 artistic programme has been a milestone year, marked by the reopening of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre following a seven-year restoration and rebuilding project. Despite ongoing delays and challenges that initially prevented a full performance programme, we partnered with Sportactive to present the internationally acclaimed visual arts installation, Van Gogh Alive. This collaboration allowed us to adapt our dates flexibly, resulting in the loss of only nine days of pre-sold performances. The installation launched during the Brighton Festival on May 20, 2023, and ran for 16 weeks, attracting an audience of 78,477.

Although additional work was needed to complete the project fully, we successfully planned and opened our complete performance programme on November 1, 2023. This marked the much-anticipated return of theatre to our lineup, beginning with a four-performance run of “Kin” by Gecko Dance Theatre. Throughout this period, the Concert Hall has continued to drive our wider mixed arts programme, experiencing increased attendance across various genres. These include contemporary and classical music, comedy, talks, live podcasts, circus, dance and a family programme.

Our total ticketed year-round performance attendance in the Concert Hall increased by 15%, returning to prepandemic levels with a total of 207, 718 attendees (2023: 180,834; 2020: 213,524). This rise was achieved with a record number of 163 events in the Concert Hall, plus an additional 20 during the Brighton Festival (2020: 136; 2020: 159), setting a new all-time high of 224,633 attendees.

Together with our first performance programme in the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre, running from November 2023 to March 2024, we saw a significant increase in attendance, surpassing both pre-pandemic and pre-capital project levels. Overall ticketed performance attendance in our Brighton Dome venues, including Brighton Festival, reached a new all-time high of 244,955. This includes 20,322 attendees at 89 events in the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre (2022: 218,247; 2020: 231,204; 2016: 238,188). When incorporating the four-month season of Van Gogh Alive across the new spaces, the overall audience total reached an impressive 323,432.

Our overall paid attendance reached 77%, surpassing our KPI target of 70%. Total occupancy was 83%, including events in the new spaces with lower targets (2022: 78% & 84%; 2020: 82% & 87%; 2019: 77% & 82%, 2016: 71% & 76%).

The total number of events in the Brighton Dome programme, including those during Brighton Festival, significantly increased compared to previous years emerging from the pandemic. We hosted 319 public performances, tours, and workshops (2023: 199; 2022: 127; 2020 264; 2019: 276; 2018: 294, 2017: 434; 2016: 539). Including the Van Gogh Alive performance days, the total reached 418 events.

Our launch event of the Corn Exchange performance programme on November 1, 2023, featured the highly inventive dance theatre piece “Kin” from Gecko, with four full performances, exemplifying the quality crossover programming we can now present in our new spaces. The much-extended dance programme also featured a new commission, “Until We Sleep”, from Botis Seva’s Far from the Norm, the long-awaited return of Vincent Dance Theatre with “PLAY”, Authur Pitta Dance Company with a special Christmas season of “Little Match Girl”, and a first visit from Sung Im Her with “Nutcrusher”. The Concert Hall hosted the return of Breakin Convention international hip hop dance showcase, Ballet Theatre UK with an Easter performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, and a major dance consortium tour by São Paulo Dance Companyfrom Brazil, where we recorded the highest audience numbers on the regional tour.

Theatre returned to the Studio Theatre for the first time in seven years with a week-long run of Tim Crouch’s “Truth’s a Dog Must to Kennel”, China Plate’s international collaboration with Staatstheatre Mainz, “A Family Business”, FlawBored’s blind led theatre company with “It’s a Mother F**king Pleasure”; Frozen Light’s intimate multi-sensory show for audiences with profound learning disabilities “The Bar at the Edge of Time” and the hugely inventive theatre dance cabaret compilation “Tits & Teeth” by Thick & Tight.

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

Our contemporary music programme also featured in our opening performance programme in both the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre with fully booked events, including Penguin Café, visionary saxophonist Camila George, the return of the highly successful African Night Fever, and Camille O’Sullivan with New Regency Orchestra testing the standing format. February 2024 saw the launch of Dome Studio Live in partnership with QM Records, showcasing emerging artists. Highlights included John Grant & Richard Hawley singing Patsy Cline, Ben Folds, The Unthanks in Winter and Kate Rusby in the Concert Hall. Notable artists from the Rock & Pop programme ranged from Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Aldous Harding, the Orchestral Tour of James, Young Fathers, Mahalia, Slowdive, Yar Act and Alison Goldfrapp with her first solo tour. Arlo Parks and Maisie Peters were the sold-out headline artists of The Great Escape.

Our comedy programme hit a new all-time high with 51 performances in the Concert Hall (2023: 36), driven by weeklong runs of Stewart Lee and James Acaster and, over a few weekends in July, Russell Howard, whose performances were recorded for Netflix. Other highlights included three editions of “Live at Brighton Dome”, Tom Allen, Bridget Christie, The Fast Show, Fascinating Aida and comedy podcasts “Off Menu: Live” and “Parenting Hell”, an expanding genre. Comedy also featured in the new spaces, including performances by John Robbins, Jordan Gray, Cayla AB and Andy Parsons, making a total of 61 co-presented performances with a total attendance of 74,092 (2023:51,000).

Our talks programme, mostly co-presented, featured evenings with Mary Beard, the Reverend Richard Coles, Mirium Margolyes, Professor Brian Cox, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and Lucy Worsley on Agatha Christie. We also continued our heritage talks in the Founders Room, focusing on historic women in entertainment, and launched a series of spoken word events with In-House Artist AFLO the poet.

Our Christmas programme included regular favourites such as the Christmas Singalong from The Choir with No Name, supporting homeless and marginalized people, the live orchestrated screening of “The Snowman”, Brighton Festival Chorus with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, plus a special “Live at Brighton Dome Christmas”, and a live orchestral “Muppets Christmas Movie” and Singalong Wickerman. Longer runs shifted to the Corn Exchange with “Snowed In” from Anatomical and “The Little Match Girl”, plus a commissioned early years’ experience “Touch & Glow” across December.

We launched a new family performance programme in the Studio Theatre with associated craft workshop “Playmakes” in Anita’s Room, including five events this year, two as part of the Little Big Dance Festival. This included “Grooving with Pirates”, “Little Bulb” and “Club Origami”. The family programme in the Concert Hall featured Freckle Productions’ six performances of “Zog”, comedian Stewart Lee, and “Rude Science”.

Our major community events for schools, colleges and local groups continued, with highlights this year including GCSE Poetry Live, GCSE Science Live, Streetfunk Straight Up street dance showcase, and the major Let’s Dance schools’ project. These events support our commitment to community engagement.

We also continued our programme regular free open days, including Heritage Open Day (Sep); Family Day (Nov) in partnership with Black History Month; International Women’s Day in partnership with Brighton Women’s Centre (Mar) and Access Open Day (Mar) reaching an audience of over 4,500 (+HOD figures), including 729 attending TransPride which we were able to welcome at the last minute when weather cancelled their outdoor event. Our expanded assisted performance programme featured ten BSL, nine captioned, six chilled and three relaxed Performances across the year.

The classical music programme featured four concerts by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and eight from the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra including a recital in the Corn Exchange. We were delighted to bring the Coffee Concert series of chamber music, in association with Strings Attached back to the newly refurbished Corn Exchange, featuring an exciting and diverse line up from the Adelphi Quartet to the Kleio Quartet.

We continue to support the arts ecology in the Brighton and Hove and the wider South East region with 632 hours of in-kind space or guidance from our team of Producers, two artist-led ‘Long Table’ meetings, three artist-led script reading and writing workshops, and support for 543 artists through 175 sessions. We opened the new Anita’s Room creative space with test users from July to December and launched open call access residencies from January to March, benefiting 20 artists with428 hours of free space.

Our new cohort of In-House Artists (IHA), announced in March 2023, includes Annie Whilby (aka AFLO. the Poet) and Erin Enfys. Both artists have hosted and curated events with us and been instrumental in creating new connections with disabled, Black and queer audiences and participants through our Poetry Night, Access Open Day and Artist Long Table sessions. We continued to work with our IHA alumni through supporting

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

Tanushka Marah to deliver artist workshops and hosting youth theatre workshops, and commissioning Akila Richards to create new poetry and songs in response to our Black musical heritage.

We welcomed in the local community in inclusive fun and creativity-focused Open Days, including Heritage Open Day, Transpride, Black History Family Take Part Day, International Women’s Day Celebration and Access Open day with a total audience of 1,600. This was an increase from previous years as we were able to spread events and activities across the new spaces from November onwards. Many artists and creatives showcased their work as part of these days, including Brighton Women’s Centre, Gladrags, Carousel, Murmuration Arts, Writing our Legacy, Chattri Memorial Group and African Night Fever amongst many others.

Our Place continues to co-create arts projects with residents in East Brighton, Moulsecoomb and Bevendean, and Hangleton and Knoll. We have welcomed over 300 people to 14 different shows as part of our Brighton Dome and Festival Audience Club, toured to 685 children over eight performances in four primary schools with 'The Zoo that Comes to You', presented a heritage and spoken word performances, and craft workshops in local libraries. We commissioned a local Brighton artist to create a participatory performance project using Silent Disco headphones and co-created Artist in Residence programmes in all three communities as part of the festival. In the 2023 Festival we created a mural on a community centre wall, worked with young people and a professional photographer to create a zine, and developed a beautiful multi-lingual printed postcard project. A total of 650 participants took part in multiple workshops and events as part of Our Place in the Festival 2023, with an additional audience of 350.

Feedback on 'The Zoo that Comes to You.' “This show was absolutely fantastic. The children were incredibly engaged, and it links perfectly with our science curriculum where we have been learning about animals and their habitats.” (Hollie Brown, Year 2 Class Teacher, St Marks Primary School)

Feedback from Audience Club member on 'Muppets Christmas Carol' “We would never have got a chance to see this without you. A great Christmas treat for the family.”

Brighton Festival

Festival 2023 saw the amazing musician, DJ and writer Nabihah Iqbal at the helm. A festival that encouraged people to gather round to celebrate our stories, and experience others' lives.

The festival featured new work by Ceyda Tanc, a wonderful work for young people, by Aakash Odedra, “Gravity and Other Myths”, to a stunning concert from Anoushka Shankar. Music, movement and new ideas were prevalent throughout.

The festival opened with “The Sleeping Tree”, an immersive work by Invisible Flock, which took us gently into the jungle to experience another world, not through our eyes, but our ears. Visual arts were dominated by young artists, Ruben Bastienne- Lewis, and Mohammed Adel both having their first ever big showings within a festival setting. Providing just some of our classical music were powerhouse works by the London Symphony Orchestra and the incredible Takacs Quartet at Glyndebourne. Our Theatre Programme took us on journeys of the family, heart and pigeons with “I Cognitive maps”, Eli Daou’s touching invitation into his family home, Victoria Melody’s “The Enthusiasts”, introducing us to pigeon fanciers and Morticians, and the glorious National Theatre of Scotland’s “Kidnapped”, giving us a rollicking adventure on how to fall in love.

Our literature programme featured Anita Rani, David Olusoga, Monroe Bergdorf, Jacqueline Wilson, some Horrible Histories, and a fantastic afternoon with Liz Pinchon. Nabihah’s music programme encouraged us to explore how we listen to stories through Talvin Singh, Kassem Mosse, Sarathy Korwar, Shirley Collins, Martin Carthy, Holy Tounge, Shabaka Hutchins, Otto Hashi, and so many more, where we all gathered round and spent time listening, dancing, laughing and enjoying each other's company singing along and smiling, which was Nabihah’s quest all along.

The total ticketed attendance for the festival was 46,531, a 20% increase on BF23 (38,222). Our major free outdoor participation piece, “Groundswell” by Australian artist Matthias Schack-Arnott attracted an audience of over 24,000. Combined with all the free visual arts/installations and outdoor programme, the total audience reach for the festival was 120,466, up 17% on BF23 (103,042) and closer to pre pandemic levels (2019: 150,581).

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

Our overall event audience reach for the organisation across Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival for this period was 423,920, exceeding pre-pandemic and pre-capital redevelopment levels. This was due to the significant audience of over 100,000 for our new Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre spaces, along with continued increased attendance for our Concert Hall programme (2023: 329,417; 2022: 224,325; 2020: 391,082; 2017: 412,390).

Create Music

During this period, a national restructure of Music Hubs was led by Arts Council England (ACE) on behalf of the Department for Education. Following extensive consultation, the number of Music Hubs was reduced from 133 to 43, each with predetermined geographies. For our region, this new structure resulted in the formation of the Sussex Music Hub, spanning the local authority areas of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex.

The operation of the new music hub, set to commence in September 2024, was opened to competition. Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival (BDBF) led the application to become the Sussex Music Hub Lead Organisation in partnership with West Sussex Music, and we were successful in our bid. Since then, we have been diligently working to meet ACE requirements and plan for the new Sussex Music Hub delivery.

Create Music Achievements:

Since April 2023, Create Music has been dedicated to developing a diverse and inclusive programme of music activities for children and young people across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex. Our focus has been on enhancing engagement with schools in the region to deliver the Department for Education’s ‘National Plan for Music Education.’

Key Achievements:

1. Engagement and Participation:

o Total Engagement: 48,666 children and young people. o Instrumental/Vocal Lessons: 8,988 participants.

o School Engagement: 95% of schools participated in our programmes, including whole class and small group tuition, singing projects, performances, teacher networks, and professional development.

o Whole Class Ensemble Tuition: 83 schools participated.

2. Music Centre Activities and Short Courses:

• Participation: 1,545 young people took part in various activities, including Rock &

• Pop/Band workshops.

o Diverse Musical Activities: Expanded offerings across multiple musical genres including composition, music technology and production.

o Inclusive Programmes: 439 young people participated in programmes such as Holiday, Activity & Food (HAF) courses and orchestra360, including 202 with Special Educational Needs/Disabilities (SEND). In total, we offered 720 HAF places across 6 courses.

3. Orchestra 360:

o Innovative Ensemble Programme: Significant engagement through our regional network of 6 inclusive ensembles in Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings & Rother, and Wealden, designed for children with SEND, their parents/carers, and siblings. Working with professional disabled artists and establishing a new paid supported internship for young adults with SEND.

4. Music Courses:

o Summer Courses (July 2023): 597 children and young people participated in diverse activities for various ages and learning stages.

o Course Venues: 32 courses held across 4 venues, including the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, Performing Arts Centre Lewes, East Sussex College, and St Andrew’s School in Eastbourne.

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

o Celebration Performances: Each course concluded with a performance emphasizing skill development and the joy of large-group music-making.

o Work Experience: established work experience programme offering 15 placements in partnership with local schools.

5. Vocal Programme:

o Autumn Term: 59 schools participated in the One Voice Festival of Singing produced in partnership with Glyndebourne, with 1,696 primary school children performing at the Brighton Centre, De La Warr Pavilion, and Glyndebourne in December 2023.

6. Virtual Musical:

o Party in the Park: 2,118 Key Stage 1 pupils engaged in this virtual mini musical, complemented by a development programme for classroom teachers.

7. Collaborations and Performances:

o Partner Collaborations: Worked with professional venues and musicians to provide high-quality performance experiences in a diverse range of genres and settings. o Performance Venues: Over 2,204 young people performed at venues including Brighton Dome, De La Warr Pavilion, and Glyndebourne, including collaborations with the London Symphony Orchestra and London Mozart Players.

o Sounds from the City: 142 young musicians performed at Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre over three evenings, and 113 young musicians organized a full day of performances at the De La Warr Pavilion outdoor stage.

Future Creators

Future Creators has worked with young people to develop creative, social and emotional skills, shown to build confidence and resilience, through a variety of cultural, creative and strategic programmes. Future Creators is focused on skills development pathways to employability and utilising young people’s creativity to enhance their life chances and well-being.

Future Creators is a founder partner of the Cities of Learning (CofL) programme, working with The RSA on this national programme to badge informal learning, create pathways to skills development and build links with local employers and further training and employment opportunities for young people and adults. We have continued to be a strategic partner with the RSA to champion the CofL movement and have become the Strategic Lead for the Southeast.

Future Creators has developed a new strategic partnership with Talent Accelerator as part of the De La Warr Pavilion and Arun District Council to develop a new creative skills programme for young people on the south coastal strip between Bexhill and Bognor. BDBF has recently been successful in a recent application to the ACE, Place Partnership Fund to deliver this programme called Coastal Catalyst (CC).

The CC mission is to nurture the innate creativity of young individuals, provide pathways to meaningful careers, and contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of our communities. Through codesigned initiatives with local stakeholders, innovation, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, we strive to empower the next generation of creative leaders and professionals.

Coastal Catalyst aims to stimulate investment and develop new creative talent along the Sussex Coastal Corridor. The project focuses on creating pathways into employment and training for young people and adults by building cross-sector professional networks involving businesses, educational institutions, and the creative, cultural, and digital sectors.

Good Space

Good Space is a transformative initiative, which emerged from the collaboration of Brighton Dome & Festival Limited (BDBF), Sussex Archaeological Society, Future Creators and Heads On, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's official NHS Charity. Funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), this project harnessed cultural engagement to forge pathways for individuals facing mental health challenges, particularly poignant in the wake of the global pandemic. The overall aim of the project was to ensure Volunteering in arts, heritage and sports organisations is a vibrant, accessible and worthwhile experience for participants from a wider diversity of backgrounds.

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

Key project outcomes: In Summary

• 16 partner organisations joined the Good Space network

• 1216 volunteers engaged in volunteering opportunities across the Good Space network

• 89 different volunteer roles were offered through the partner organisations

• 43% were new to volunteering, 57% had volunteered previously in the same or a different organisation

• 20+ referral organisations are now using the Good Space website to showcase and signpost local organisations and opportunities

· 17 events were attended to promote inclusive volunteering; these included job fairs and events run by the Department for Work & Pensions. Some were specifically aimed at people who have come out of prison, those who are disabled, those with special learning needs and those who are out of work and claiming Universal Credit

• 205 digital badges awarded

Good Space has achieved a great deal of impact in a short space of time. Not least a firm commitment from a wide range of partner organisations who strongly believe in what Good Space stands for.

The network has the potential to strengthen volunteering opportunities and accessibility in the region by removing barriers to participation and improving volunteer outcomes.

Community Projects and Creative Learning

Our Place is now in its seventh year running co-creating arts activity with residents of Hangleton and Knoll, East Brighton, Moulsecoomb and Bevendean. Activities have included an Audience Club year-round alongside the festival activities. Over 2,500 people have engaged with Our Place in this year.

“We have worked with Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival for the last 5 years and Our Place is THE talked about event within the whole of the Hangleton and Knoll Community. The benefit to our area that Brighton Festival provides is priceless. Our community can experience events and shows that they wouldn’t normally experience due to the wide range of different and inclusive activities that Brighton Festival provides. They pride themselves on their inclusivity, always thinking of every need possible when programming, going above and beyond to ensure there is an activity for everyone.'

Gemma Powell, Manager, Hangleton Community Centre

We work with many schools across a variety of activities from the Children's Parade to Full of Surprises (Heritage Interpretation taken into schools and libraries), a tour of performed heritage. One new example this year was Full of Surprises, a school project inspired by our heritage work visited six libraries and schools in Brighton and Hove, delivering workshops for primary age children and their teachers and families. The workshops introduced key moments in our historical timeline through a character actor and various artefacts. Children were then able to enjoy creative activities linked to the artefacts. Demand for this project has continued and we have also delivered it within Heritage Open Days and will offer it to schools again in future.

We continued to support schools and community groups to present their work on the Concert Hall stage, bringing in thousands of parents, friends, families and teachers to celebrate the music, dance and theatre made by and with children and young people. Reduced rates for these groups make the events possible and our team provides additional technical support to raise the production value of the show, making every performer have their best possible experience. In this year we welcomed Dorothy Stringer School, Create Music groups, Song for Sussex, Streetfunk and Windmill Young Actors.

- Workplace Well being and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Well-being

In the 2023/24 financial year, we ran our annual Well-being Survey in July 2023 and created a well-being action plan which covers feedback received during the annual well-being survey. Many of the actions detailed on here have been implemented including reinstating the monthly staff newsletter, creation of the internal

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

communications plan and providing a variety of staff training on topics such as menopause, gender awareness, supervision training and mental health awareness.

Overall staff well-being dipped slightly to 6.2 out of 10 in terms of staff rating how they felt about their own wellbeing compared to the previous year. As a result of feedback received through this survey, we continued to support staff by running three free NHS checks available for staff aged 40 or over, with 100% take up of these from October 2023 through to February 2024. In January 2024, we launched our mental health and well-being plan which details the commitments we have made to ensure that we can retain the mental health at work award, and we trained more Mental Health First Aiders across the organisation and have advertised who they are on posters on staff noticeboards.

On the 1st February 2024, we ran our annual Time to Talk Day and provided staff with opportunities to book chair massages, chat with our MHFA’s at lunchtime, speak to staff from the City Council’s Healthy Lifestyles Team and have their blood pressure checked. This event is always well attended and this year we invited all staff along including volunteers.

During 2023/24, we ran workshops on conflict management and demystifying the menopause and we implemented IHASCO an e-learning system in April 2023, which gives our staff access to over 20 courses such as mental health awareness and menopause awareness to name a few.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

During 2023/24, we continued with our work on developing an anti-racism strategy for the organisation and reminded staff of this during this financial year. The Equality & Diversity Action Plan continues to be developed for the organisation with a variety of departments contributing to this.

Equalities data is produced on a quarterly basis for EDAG, and we also provide data on our recruitment process to so that the group can review progress with recruiting people from underrepresented groups. Our diversity book club ‘Diverse Voices’ met in November 2023 following a discussion at EDAG to encourage more staff to participate in this and a further meeting of this group will be scheduled later in 2024.

We produced new recruitment leaflets (including one on staff benefits) to take to careers fairs to promote employment with us and we put on gender awareness training for our staff in March 24 through Gendered Intelligence. In addition, via IHASCO all new staff have to complete the EDI and unconscious bias training courses, which is mandatory. There are also a number of other EDI courses available via IHASCO which staff can complete including disability awareness and gender awareness.

Our staff group including casuals and volunteers, is currently made up of 19% ethnically diverse people with the local demographic being 19.6% (census data from 2021). In addition, our staff group are currently made up of 12% who identify as disabled with the local demographic being 8% (census data 2021). Both of these groups are actively encouraged to apply for our vacancies via positive action statements. 11% of our workforce are neurodiverse (no census data exists on this) and 17% of our workforce identify as LGBTQIA+, compared to census data for 2021, where 10.7% of people living in Brighton & Hove identify as LGBTQIA+.

We remain a Disability Confident Employer under the Disability Confident Scheme and are striving to achieve level 3 of this award, which would be to become a Disability Confident Leader. We are also a member of the Disability Action Alliance Volunteer Charter.

Conferencing & Private Events

2023/24 saw conference and private event business levels begin to increase following the reopening of the Studio Theatre and Corn Exchange. Continued uncertainty around project completion dates resulted in short lead times for several of the events delivered, however many of the initial events were from historic bookers who had been waiting patiently for the venues to reopen. Bookings in the new spaces were contained within the period Sept – March due to the Van Gogh Alive immersive exhibition taking place in the first 4 months of the year.

The reopening marked an exciting time and gave the sales team the opportunity to launch a significant proactive sales strategy, much enhanced by the CRM system that had been developed the previous year. This

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

system has improved client engagement and performance reporting. A significant number of site visits and familiarisation events were held to showcase the venues.

We successfully delivered a total of 19 events with 6 taking place in the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre. Local businesses featured heavily with the first private event in the Corn Exchange being the Sussex Business Show and the Martlet’s Charity Auction following a few weeks later. We were delighted to welcome back the Art Fair and to work with several new corporate clients who helped us deliver our first Christmas party and dinner. Feedback on the refurbished venues has been overwhelmingly positive, with clients delighted with the improved facilities.

During the period new enquiries increased by 16% compared to the previous year, a promising start to our efforts to rebuild this aspect of our business.

Bars & Catering

Activities this year included the much-anticipated opening of two new bar spaces in the new build areas of the capital project. Local company BCS worked with the team to complete the heritage themed fit out and to install new bar support and event catering kitchens. The gallery bar designs are based on Drinkall Deans regency musings and celebrate the links to George IV with the names of his horses carved into the bar. The Festival Bar celebrates the inaugural 1967 Brighton Festival with the original ‘eye’ logo featuring on the front and back bar.

During Van Gogh Alive the bars were used to deliver a small-scale cafe offer, but the artistic activity in the autumn really provided the opportunity for teams to put the spaces to full use.

Redroaster at Brighton Dome, our on-site food offer, launched in May 23 and we are delighted to be working in partnership with this well recognised local independent operator. A BCorp company, Redroaster are now offering breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as pre-theatre booking 7 days a week. The initiative, with its substantial external seating area has helped to signpost the fact that the venues are reopened and has provided opportunities for more people to come into the venues, outside of performances.

During this period the bars and catering department has continued to purchase from local beer and spirit suppliers in line with environmental targets. In a continuing effort to remove glass bottles from the supply chain, two suppliers are now delivering spirits in 10 litre vats for the teams on site to decant for service. We continue to supply canned water and are continuing to revies all aspects of the operation to improve sustainability in line with Theatre Green Book objectives. BDBF remains committed to the use of reusable cups with investment in these resulting in 245,000 single use plastic cups being eliminated from use this year.

A busy year for the team with over 120,000 transactions selling amongst other items 36,000 glasses of wine, 28,000 pints of lager and 18,500 serves of local favourite Brighton Gin.

Appeals and Fundraising

In the year of reopening the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre, including leading up to Brighton Festival being back in the refurbished spaces, the fundraising team capitalised on opportunities provided by the refurbished/new spaces as well as increasing fundraising for Create Music activities. The year-end result exceeded the original 2023/24 fundraising income target, and we are planning to increase it further for 2024/25. All fundraising strands contributed to achieving this position and we continued to work closely with other departments to nurture donor relationships.

Our established individual giving programmes, namely membership (from £35 per year) and patrons (£500+ per year) continued growing and retaining long-standing supporters. Patrons Circle members remain at 92, as per 2023, although several patrons increased their support (see below). The total number of Members increased to 2575 (from 2368). Patrons and Members are also our most loyal ticket buyer groups, significantly contributing to our ticket sales income throughout the year.

We took strategic steps to increase both major donations and lower-level membership and donations. We now offer new Patrons and Member levels that combine support for Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and Create Music, building on the Create Music supporter base regionally and the strengths of BDBF's established Patron Circle and Membership scheme. This move has already resulted in over £20,000 additional income in major donations - the equivalent of 20 new Patrons at the original giving level, who are also likely to renew year on year. New ways of asking for individual giving proved effective too, including our new Cornucopia fundraising dinner and match-funding opportunities through both Cornucopia and national Big Give campaigns.

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

We are immensely grateful for all the continued and new support of our major donors, patrons, members, online donors, trusts and foundations and corporate sponsor supporters. Together they supported our core operations, as well as specific projects such as the Brighton Festival 2024 artistic programme, Umbrella Club for children with life-shortening conditions, Our Place community co-creation programme, inclusive music education activities and new singing strategy for children and young people throughout East Sussex. Thank you to trusts & foundations Mrs A Lacy Tate Charitable Trust, Arnold Clark Community Fund, Baily Thomas Charitable Fund, Brighton District Nursing Association Trust, The Chalk Cliff Trust, The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, The Lawson Trust, National Lottery Awards for All, The Pebble Trust, The Reed Foundation, Roy Hudson Trust and Youth Music.

In terms of corporate support, Mayo Wynne Baxter was a major sponsor for the second year running, and the University of Sussex continued with their major level support, as our Higher Education Partner. We also had two new sponsors, Graves Son & Pilcher, and Southern Housing, both sponsoring free events within the festival, as well as support from Brighton Girls, sponsoring the Children’s Parade, Brighton College, and Selits Ltd.

Capital redevelopment

May 2023 marked a significant milestone for BDBF’s major capital refurbishment project as the venues reopened to the public after a 6-year period on site. The project, led by Brighton and Hove City Council working closely with BDBF, aimed to restore and protect the Grade I and II Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre making them a landmark centre for the arts and equipping the buildings for a sustainable future.

The project has delivered substantial restoration and upgrades to both venues, with an increased capacity of 500 seats in the Corn Exchange and significant improvements to the 250 seat Studio Theatre. New bars and front of house spaces offer improved customer experience and back of house facilities have been upgraded. Vital heritage has been conserved and new heritage interpretation, including a digital timeline allows customers to connect with the architectural and social history of the spaces.

The works have helped improve accessibility, orientation and legibility and crucially will help us develop a business model that increases our future resilience by improving commercial performance and aims to reduce running costs.

Anita’s Room opened in June 23 and has to date provided 776 hours of residency time to 42 artists. Named in memory of activist, entrepreneur and founder of The Body Shop, Dame Anita Roddick, Anita’s Room is a new and dedicated creative space for artists to research, experiment and create bold and courageous new work. Fully equipped with a lighting grid, mixing desk and the latest 5G technology the venue can accommodate up to 40 people within its main space, office and kitchen areas and is suitable for a range of activities, including: research, development, writing, rehearsals, workshops, retreats, experimentation, music making and community group work. Reflecting the importance of arts and culture in Brighton & Hove, Anita’s Room is designed to support works in progress, alongside small-scale performances and events. Performers and creatives from across the area can apply for a week-long residency in the space via a simple online process.

Creating ever more inclusive spaces has been a top priority for the project team, with improved access for visitors, staff and performers, including new accessible toilets and modern hearing assistance systems now installed. All the new floors built in the foyers and Anita’s Room are accessible for audiences and artists, along with low-level service counters at the bars and crucial backstage improvements to support D/deaf, blind and partially sighted and disabled performers.

Echoing the importance of this valuable historic restoration for the city, the spaces are also now open during the day to visitors wishing to explore the Gallery Bar’s heritage displays, with volunteers on hand to answer questions and give greater insight into the history behind Brighton Dome. The new foyer and gallery connect the existing buildings, adding key facilities for audiences and performers to unite the venues and improve the experience for all.

The refurbished spaces were designed with a focus on ensuring the buildings are energy efficient and environmentally sustainable. The architects sought to reduce carbon impact by using responsibly sourced construction materials wherever possible, including 6500 linear metres of sustainable European oak cladding that lines the Corn Exchange walls and dormer roof arches.

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

To further reduce energy consumption, parts of the existing fabric of the building has been improved to reduce heat loss and air infiltration. Front of house foyer spaces are naturally ventilated and in the event spaces, where mechanical ventilation provides user comfort, heat recovery systems are in place to reduce the overall energy use.

Lighting energy is also reduced through the use of LED lighting alongside automatic switches to control lighting in spaces when unoccupied. A newly installed glass atrium in the middle of the building also provides a welcome natural light source during the day.

Gas has been removed from kitchen areas, for more efficient and cleaner operations, and water usage and wastage are minimised via low flow sanitaryware fittings and automated controls.

Reactions to the reopened venues have been overwhelmingly positive with people delighted to see the return of these popular spaces.

94% of audience attending events so far have given the venues 4- or 5-star excellence rating

Currently BHCC and BDBF are continuing to work with the design team, led by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios to complete a series of works which did not get completed ahead of the handover by Westridge, the main contractor. In addition to expected snags and defects a series of mechanical and electrical, plus building condition issues need to be resolved. Due to the fact that Westridge, the second contractor on the project, went into administration in September 23, BHCC are working to instruct works on a case-by-case basis with a variety of sub-contractors.

The refurbishment of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre is the first phase of a regeneration project by Brighton & Hove City Council, in partnership with Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and Brighton & Hove Museums, to cement the Royal Pavilion Estate as a landmark UK destination for heritage and the arts. The circa £38 million project has been realised with support from Brighton & Hove City Council, Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, alongside trusts and foundations and many individual donors. We are very grateful for everyone’s support. Once all phases of the project are complete, the Royal Pavilion Estate is estimated to welcome over 1.5million visitors, support over 1,200 jobs in the city centre and have an economic impact of £68m.

Examples of audience feedback from the first season

‘This was my first visit to the 'new' Corn Exchange - it is an amazing transformation - congratulations to everyone concerned!’

‘Totally delighted by the refurbished venue, congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this wonderful facility back to life.’

‘Absolutely beautiful. Wonderfully adaptable. Comfortable seating. Excellent sight lines for all. Lovely acoustic’

Heritage Interpretation and Activity

Our Community Engagement Manager (Heritage) has worked in depth with several community groups to engage under-represented groups with our heritage and uncover contemporary connections with our stories. These include Marlborough Productions, Queer Heritage South, Gladrags, Hangleton and Knoll Women’s Writing Group, Writing our Legacy and Chattri Memorial Group amongst others. As we gained momentum throughout the autumn we engaged over 2500 people in Open Days and enhancing existing events in our main programme with heritage displays and activities. We engaged sound artist Helen Anahita Wilson to create intriguing sound collages of oral histories gathered by our Heritage Volunteers. This allowed them to put their specialist training in Oral History gathering into action and share previously unrecorded personal memories connected with our history. We embedded our heritage work in Brighton Festival at the Riwaq, at Festive Fun Day and in libraries, schools and in talks held in Founders Room. Our heritage stories of focus in this phase were Suffragettes, Indian Soldiers, LGBTQIA+ history, Abba’s Eurovision win of 1974 and Black heritage.

Environmental Sustainability

We continued our concerted effort to provide Carbon Literacy training to our staff team and ended 2023/24 with 53% of permanent staff having achieved training accredited by The Carbon Project.

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

The overall recorded carbon footprint for the venue based on Julie’s Bicycle Creative Climate tools was 837 tonnes C02e.

Energy

2023/24 was the first year where we have seen the venues in operation following the redevelopment of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre. The VGA exhibition was followed by a period of intermittent completion and snagging works in the Corn Exchange and Studio meaning that the venue did not run events to the extent it will be expected to longer term. Aspects of the M&E systems were not operating as planned this year, for example air handling and heating in some areas of the venue and controls of the systems.

Electricity and gas consumption for the Museum and the redevelopment project are excluded from this data (note the Museum consumption has been estimated.)

1,176,368 kwh of electricity consumption was recorded in 2023/24 against 716,169 kwh in 2022/23. 2022/23 captured the final months of the capital redevelopment project prior to reopening the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre in mid-May 2023. This represents a 64% increase in consumption year on year because of the reopening where however our total attendance increased by 75%.

The average annual consumption of the venues recorded over a 6-year period (excluding the year of significant closures for Covid 19) is 929,624 kwh. When compared with the 2023/24 financial year this indicates a 34% increase in electricity consumption in 2023/24. Further work is needed to draw comparison with the pre redevelopment model where 3 venues were operating as performance venues as opposed to 2 of the venues being used for construction.

511,277 kwh gas consumption was recorded in 2023/24 against 392,053 kwh in 2022/23. This represents a 30% increase year on year. The average gas consumption over the redevelopment period as a whole (excluding only the year when Covid 19 was being mitigated under operation) was 456,860 kwh. When compared with the 2023/24 financial year this indicates a 12% increase. Gas was not used in the venues under construction over the redevelopment. Again, further work is needed to be able to draw comparison with the pre redevelopment period.

We continue to participate in a public sector group purchasing scheme for gas and electricity. In 2023/24 the venue sat in a variable basket for electricity which meant that prices shown on the initial bill were reconciled in the following month and the price per kwh of gas was liable to regular change. The organisation invests in a REGO which increases the cost of electricity slightly but delivers on our commitment to purchase renewable electricity, a principle which the organisation has held for many years.

The approved electricity budget for the venue was £388,699 at the start of the financial year and we achieved savings to end the year at £331,474.

The approved gas budget for the venue was £89,367 at the start of the financial year and we achieved savings to end the year at £39,718.

The savings achieved in energy were from a number of areas including recharges to external events, a delay to the handover of the Corn Exchange and Studio which reduced consumption and crucially an achievement in lower pence per kwh costs than predicted when the budget was approved (around 6p against 9p budgeted in gas and around 26p against 28p budgeted in electricity).

92,000kg of C02e was created from the use of the venue heating and 265,000kg of C02e from the use of venue electricity. To remove the carbon created from the venue’s energy usage this year would take approximately 14,280 trees in a one-year period.

Water

4,398 m3 consumption was recorded in 23/24 creating 778 kg C02e.

The increase in consumption was relatively modest at 38% assuming that the increases in audience/admissions from the VGA exhibition would have impacted on the venue’s water use through use of toilets. The toilets and taps installed have water saving measures built into their design.

Waste

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

Improvements to the monitoring of waste collections means that BDBF now has access to weighed waste data which provides a more accurate picture than had been available in the past when the number of ‘lifts’ was recorded.

The venue recorded 44 tonnes of waste against 17 tonnes in 22/23.

The total recycled of this waste dropped slightly from 80% to 75%.

The recorded impact from our venue waste was 62,000 kg Co2 was the based-on Julie’s Bicycle calculations. The carbon created by our audiences at the venue would take approximately 2,480 mature trees a year to absorb.

Travel

As was the case in 2022/23 18% of the year-round audience chose to travel to the venue with zero carbon footprint via walking or cycling in 2023/24.

However, the increase in audience travelling by public transport increased from 35% to 42%. Therefore 59% of the year-round audience travelled sustainably, up 6%.

Audience travel represents the largest carbon footprint and BDBF continue to try to encourage audiences through communication of incentive schemes such as the BetterPoints app and audience communications ahead of events and through the point of ticket sale.

The Brighton Festival audience traditionally travel more sustainably to events in the city with 30% choosing to walk or cycle this year. People walking increased by 11%. Those travelling by car to events reduced by 9%. 68% of the audience used sustainable travel to reach Festival events.

We ran our staff sustainable travel competition, rewarding three staff winners who logged the most sustainable journeys over the May period.

Carbon created by audience travel rose from 251,490 kg C02e 411,515 kg C02e which represents a 63% increase. However, the admissions created by the VGA exhibition more than account for this. The carbon created by our audiences at the venue would take approximately 16,460 mature trees a year to absorb.

BDBF recorded a total of 4,439 miles of business travel which equates to 845kg C02e.

Financial Results

Consolidated results are presented for the year ended 31 March 2024 with a recorded surplus excluding capital expenditure of £98,000 (2023: Surplus £89,000). Net outgoing resources for the year from unrestricted funds showed a £225,000 deficit, primarily due to planned capital expenditure for the final phase of the reopening the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre for which designated funds had been allocated.

The reopening of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre in 2023/24 enabled the resumption of the Conferencing and Private Events business and allowed for an expanded artistic programme within the refurbished spaces. The increased schedule of events, coupled with a diverse and inclusive programme of music activities for children and young people, significantly boosted our charitable income to £9,415,641 for the year (2023: £6,763,089).

The Charity earned 61% (2023: 56%) of its normal operating income from ticket sales, sponsorship, catering and the private event income channelled through the trading company (Brighton Dome and Festival (Trading) Limited) and 39% (2023: 44%) of its income through grants and donations. 35% (2023: 37%) of normal operating income came from the Charity’s two public funders: Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) and Arts Council England (ACE) meaning that 65% of income is self-generated.

Voluntary income increased to £6,338,409 (2023 £5,576,886), by leveraging the opportunities provided by the refurbished and new spaces and enhancing fundraising efforts for Create Music activities.

The Brighton & Hove and East Sussex Music Services (now jointly branded as Create Music) had an impressive year, generating income from tuition and workshops of £2,186,966 (2023: £2,106,983), and with total expenditure on educational activities increasing to £3,567,464 (2023: £3,416,909).

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

The Charity has a long-term agreement (27 years remaining) with BHCC that determines the details of the Lease of Brighton Dome, the Sinking Fund and the Arts Fund which supports the activity of both Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival.

The Trustees would like to thank all our supporters, funders and staff for their continued support, and would also like to offer our thanks to our regular funders BHCC and ACE for their continued financial support and guidance.

In 2023/24 the Arts Fund contributed £1,171,080 to income. The Charity is a long-standing National Portfolio Organisation of ACE with confirmed funding through to 31 March 2026, with confirmation of an extension for a further twelve months to 31 March 2027 expected in Autumn 2024

Going Concern

Accounting standards require the Trustees to consider the appropriateness of the going concern basis when preparing the financial statements.

Trustees have considered the level of funds currently held by the Group and the Company and the expected level of income and expenditure for a period of twelve months from the date of signature of these financial statements. After reviewing the funding streams available to it and making appropriate enquiries, Trustees consider that the going concern basis is appropriate. Additionally, the Group had a carried forward balance of cash at bank and in hand at the reporting date of £6,029,505 (2023: £5,163,410) and had positive total unrestricted operational reserves of £820,502 (2023: £811,800). Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Group and the Company have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and until full trading has resumed. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting Policies.

The Trustees are aware of the significant uncertainties around the wider economic and inflationary pressures, as well as the uncertainties involved in the reopening of the renovated Corn Exchange building. In order to manage these future risks a transfer of £2,364,070 was made in 2021 to funds with specific designations to manage these risks. At 31st March 2024 the Group had positive free reserves, being unrestricted funds not held in fixed assets, of £2,213,698 (2023: £2,003,000).

Plans for future periods

Trustees, the Executive Management Team, stakeholders and a range of community and industry participants therefore took the opportunity across 2021 and 2022 to develop together a refocussed vision and purpose for Brighton Dome, Brighton Festival and Create Music which has underpinned the plans for reopening our spaces and our delivery against the strategic priorities of Brighton & Hove City Council and Arts Council England:

who we are We offer venues, events, tuition and services that add up to a year-round festival of arts, tech and learning: Festival 365

our purpose Our purpose is to enable extraordinary experiences where people can come together to enjoy, imagine, create and change

our vision Our vision is a world where artists are exploring their internationalism and a digital/physical hybrid future, where experience and understanding is shared across the globe and where all our actions are planet-positive. Together we can change

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

Our vision is for Brighton and Sussex to be a place where creativity is seen as essential to life, a place of creative entrepreneurship, and a place of deep artistic collaboration.

Together we can create

Our vision is for all of us, our visitors and residents to empathise with each other’s differences, to be open to new ideas, and to enjoy shared experiences. Together we can understand

Our vision is an organisation that’s instinctively inclusive, with staff, volunteers, artists and supporters united by a shared purpose, and constantly developing. Together we can grow

Our strategies

• work with artists to support international artistic growth, develop hybrid experiences using 5G

• and creaTech, and open up new sources of revenue

• develop new artistic partnerships to learn from the creative strength of others and share

• knowledge globally

• reach net zero in our own operations by 2030

• understand our stakeholders and communities and become seen as a natural and trusted

• convenor

• become more porous, bring more people into our buildings and offer our services to other

• organisations

• broker new partnerships in the region with organisations focussed on heritage, health, digital

• and young people

• make inclusivity instinctive, through recruitment, pay and other policies

• use our purpose to help streamline how we work and empower people at every level

• invest in learning for everyone

The past year has provided an opportunity to test our assumptions and further develop the business model and long-term financial planning for the organisation, with the aim of providing for future investment in Brighton Dome Concert Hall repair and maintenance and a more financially and environmentally sustainable operation overall.

2024 sees the departure of Chief Executive Andrew Comben after a successful sixteen years in post, and the appointment of Lucy Davies, formerly Executive Director of the Young Vic, as Chief Executive from early 2025. The recruitment process was a thorough and international search conducted by Saxton Bampfylde. Although a serving Trustee for the period of these accounts Lucy Davies resigned as Trustee to enable her to take part as a candidate in the recruitment process and her appointment was by unanimous agreements of Trustees, independent panel members and stakeholders. Having successfully delivered the large-scale capital project and significant organisational change over the last decade under Andrew Comben’s leadership, Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival is at an exciting point in its development, with ambitious plans for the future. Lucy brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and connections and her collaborative style, energy and drive will catalyse an exciting phase of growth and creative expansion focussed on the audiences and communities that we serve.

Indemnity insurance

During the period the Charity paid £3,424 (2023: £3,125) to provide indemnity cover for the Charity and its Trustees from loss arising from the neglect or defaults of its Trustees and Officers.

Investment policy

The Charity only holds short-term surplus funds which it invests in deposits with its bankers, Metro Bank.

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

Reserves policy

With the Capital Project having commenced in early 2017 the Charity has been working to increase its unrestricted general reserve to ensure that on exiting the project period its reserves are in no worse a financial situation than when it started (£54,953). The carried forward surplus on the general operations reserve (unrestricted) was £821k as at 31 March 2024. At 31st March 2024 the Group had positive free reserves, being unrestricted funds not held in fixed assets, of £2,214k (2023: £2,003k). £2,462k of unrestricted funds are designated (2023: £2,762k), as described in note 19, leaving a balance on our operational funds of £661k (2023: £846k).

Restricted reserves of £9,007k relate to the carrying value of the Dome Refurbishment project 1999 – 2002 and £488k of restricted funds relate to funds received to be used for projects in future periods.

It should also be noted that a portion of the Sinking Fund is held by Brighton & Hove City Council as a reserve for replacing major capital items. The balance on this fund was £178k as at 31 March 2024 (2023: £210k).

Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities

The charity trustees for the purposes of company law are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.

• observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.

● state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.

● prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and the group and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

This Annual Report of the Trustees, under the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006, was approved by the Board of Trustees on 21[st] September 2024 including approving in their capacity as company directors the Strategic Report contained therein, and is signed as authorised on their behalf by:

Danny Homan

Mr Danny Homan (Chair) Date: 25/09/2024

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Brighton Dome and Festival Limited for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the group and parent charitable company’s Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent’s charitable company’s affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of the group’s and parent charitable company’s net movement in funds, including the income and expenditure, for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

• have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees’ Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

• the information given in the Trustees’ Annual Report (which includes the strategic report and the directors’ report prepared for the purposes of company law) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

• the strategic report and the directors’ report included within the Trustees’ Annual Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Annual Report (which incorporates the strategic report and the directors’ report).

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent charitable company; or

• the parent charitable company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

• certain disclosures of trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of trustees for the financial statements

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 18, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the group’s and the parent charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the parent charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Based on our understanding of the group and the environment in which it operates, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to the regulatory requirements of the Charity Commission, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Charities Act 2011, Charities SORP (2019), Companies Act 2006 and payroll taxes.

We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to the recognition of grants and donations income. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:

• Enquiries of management regarding correspondence with regulators and tax authorities;

• Discussions with management including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulation and fraud;

• Reviewing the controls and procedures of the charity, particularly in relation to the recording of income and processing of payments and payroll, to ensure these were in place throughout the year;

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BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

• Evaluating management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities;

• Reviewing and testing journal entries made in the year, particularly those made as part of the year end financial reporting process; and

• Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their critical accounting estimates which comprise depreciation and the bad debt provision.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Jane Askew (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Haysmacintyre LLP, Statutory Auditor London Date: 25 September 2024

10 Queen Street Place

EC4R 1AG

21

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (including consolidated Income & Expenditure Account)

Income: Grants & donations Income from charitable activities Income from trading activities Investment Income Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure Net (expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	Note	Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Operations Designated Projects The Brighton Dome Venue £000's £000's £000's £000's £000's £000's 2,283 - 2,757 1,298 6,338 5,576 9,416 - - - 9,416 6,763 393 - - - 393 338 154 - - - 154 67 ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── 12,246 - 2,757 1,298 16,301 12,744 ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── 1,698 - - - 1,698 401 10,772 113 2,836 1,697 15,418 12,862 ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── 12,470 113 2,836 1,697 17,116 13,263 ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── (224) (113) (79) (399) (815) (519) 62 (186) 323 (199) - - ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── (162) (299) 244 (598) (815) (519) ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── 983 2,761 244 9,605 13,593 14,112 ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── 821 2,462 488 9,007 12,778 13,593 ════════ ════════ ════════════════════════════════
	1, 2 4 3 5 6 19,20 19,20

Note 28 shows 2023 comparatives for the Statement of Financial Activities

The notes on pages 26 to 47 form part of these financial statements.

22

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

as at 31 March 2024

Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed assets 11 CURRENT ASSETS Stock Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13 14 15 CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year 16 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities CREDITORS: amounts falling due after one year 18 Total net assets The funds of the group: Unrestricted income funds 19 Restricted income funds 20 Total group funds	2024 £’000 13,072 41 1,752 6,029 7,822 (4,912) 2,910 (3,204) 12,778 3,283 9,495 12,778	2023 £’000 14,050
		16 1,758 5,163
		6,937 (4,273)
		2,664
		(3,121)
		13,593
		3,744 9,849
		13,593

The financial statements on pages 22 to 47 were approved, and authorised for issue, by the Board of Trustees are signed on its behalf by:

Danny Homan

Mr Danny Homan (Chair) Date: 25/09/2024

The notes on pages 26 to 47 form part of these financial statements.

23

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET

as at 31 March 2024

Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed assets Investments 11 12 CURRENT ASSETS Stock 13 Debtors 14 Cash at bank and in hand 15 CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year 16 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities CREDITORS: amounts falling due after one year 18 Total net assets The funds of the charity: Unrestricted income funds 19 Restricted income funds 20 Total charity funds	2024 £’000 13,064 - 13,064 41 1,748 5,373 7,162 (4,491) 2,671 15,735 (3,117) 12,618 3,123 9,495 12,618	2023 £’000 14,032 -
		14,032 16 1,809 4,882
		6,707 (4,167)
		2,540
		16,572 (3,117)
		13,456
		3,607 9,849
		13,456

A separate statement of the financial activities of the Brighton Dome and Festival Limited, the Charity, is not presented following the exemptions afforded by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. For the year ended 31 March 2024, the net movement in funds of the parent charity was a decrease of £838K (2023: a decrease of £558k).

The financial statements on pages 22 to 47 were approved, and authorised for issue, by the Board of Directors and are signed on its behalf by:

Danny Homan

Mr Danny Homan (Chair) Date: 25/09/2024

The notes on pages 26 to 47 form part of these financial statements.

24

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

Statement of cash flows for the year ending 31 March 2024

2024 £’000 2023 £’000 Cash provided by operating activities (Note 24) 398 422 Cash flows from investing activities Interest income 154 67 Purchase of tangible fixed assets (Note 11) (448) (750) Disposal of tangible fixed assets (Note 11) 762 1 Cash used in investing activities 468 (682) Increase in cash in the year 866 260 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 5,163 5,423 Increase in cash (A) 866 (260) Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 6,029 5,163 A. Analysis of changes in net cash funds At 1 April 2023 Cashflows At 31 March 2024 Cash and cash equivalents 5,163 866 6,029 Total cash and cash equivalents ----------------- 5,163 ----------------- ---------------- 866 ---------------- ----------------- 6,029 -----------------		2023 £’000 422 67 (750) 1
		(682)
		260
		5,423 (260)
		5,163

25

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

Principal Accounting Policies

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities (SORP: Second Edition, effective 1 January 2019) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102 – issued March 2018), and the Companies Act 2006.

GOING CONCERN

Accounting standards require the Trustees to consider the appropriateness of the going concern basis when preparing the financial statements.

Trustees have considered the level of funds currently held by the Group and the Company and the expected level of income and expenditure for a period of twelve months from the date of signature of these financial statements. After reviewing the funding streams available to it and making appropriate enquiries, Trustees consider that the going concern basis is appropriate. Additionally, the Group had a carried forward balance of cash at bank and in hand at the reporting date of £6,029,000 (2023: £5,163,000) and had positive total unrestricted operational reserves of £821,000 (2023: £812,000). Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Group and the Company have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and until full trading has resumed. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting Policies.

The Trustees are aware of the significant uncertainties around the wider economic and inflationary pressures, as well as the uncertainties involved in the reopening of the renovated Corn Exchange building. In order to manage these future risks a transfer of £2,364,000 was made in the 2021-22 Financial Year to funds with specific designations to manage these risks. At 31st March 2024 the Group had positive free reserves, being unrestricted funds not held in fixed assets, of £2,214,000 (2023: £2,003,000).

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY

The principal activity of the company during the year was to manage the charitable business of Brighton Dome and Festival Limited (BDBF). This includes the running of the Brighton Dome venues and the annual Brighton Festival each May including the related provision of catering and beverage services.

Brighton Dome and Festival Limited is a private limited company (registered number 00889184) incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The charity is a public benefit entity.

The address of the registered office is:

The Dance Space 2 Market Square Circus Street Brighton BN2 9AS

CONSOLIDATION

The Group accounts consolidate the results of the Charity and its subsidiaries, Brighton Dome and Festival (Trading) Limited and Brighton Dome & Museum Development Company Limited on a line-by-line basis.

No separate statement of financial activities or income and expenditure account or statement of cash flows has been presented for the Charity alone as permitted by the Companies Act 2006.

26

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

INCOME

Voluntary Income comprises all incoming resources from sponsorship, donations, membership subscriptions and grants.

All grants and donations receivable are recognised when the conditions for receipt have been met. There is entitlement to income when it can be reliably measured, and it is probable that it will be received. Where grants and donations received are performance related or restricted to future accounting periods they are deferred and accounted for as a liability.

Government grant income paid under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has been recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which the underlying furloughed staff costs relate to.

Other government grants are recognised in the financial statements when there is entitlement, the grant is measurable, and receipt is probable.

Goods and services received in kind are included within the accounts where material and are included at the lower of current market value and value to the charity.

Income from charitable activities includes amounts received from tickets and other event sales for productions and educational activities directly promoted by the Group or, where it shares the financial risk for such an event, promoted by other organisations where such events contribute to the artistic programme of the Group.

Investment income comprises interest receivable on cash balances held in appropriate interest-bearing deposits.

EXPENDITURE

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.

The cost of raising funds includes the costs of securing sponsorship and donations, and also includes the costs of providing membership benefits and other costs incurred in the Group’s trading activity.

Expenditure on charitable activities include expenditure associated with staging promoted events, providing education projects and the costs of the artistic programme at Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival. Support costs relating to single activities are allocated directly to that activity. Where support costs relate to several activities they are apportioned accordingly. Governance costs include secretarial, legal and audit fees associated with the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity.

INVESTMENTS

Investments in active subsidiary undertakings are included in the balance sheet at cost.

DEPRECIATION AND FIXED ASSETS

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset systematically over its expected useful life as follows:

Long-term improvements Over the life of the lease Short-term improvements 10% - 20% per annum Venue fittings and equipment 10% - 20% per annum Office equipment 20% - 25% per annum Musical instruments 10% per annum

Fixed assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised. The Charity does not have a policy to revalue its assets.

27

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

LEASES

Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged to the SOFA as incurred. Rental charges are charged on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

STOCK

Stocks of goods for resale are included in the balance sheet at the lower of cost or net realisable value. This includes Bar stock and Front of House consumables.

PENSION COSTS

The Charity offers a stakeholder scheme to its employees and contributes to a defined contribution scheme for certain other employees. Costs are expensed in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities.

Certain staff are members of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme which is a multi-employer pension scheme. It is not possible to identify the Charity’s share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme on a consistent and reasonable basis and therefore, as required by FRS102, accounts for the scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme. The Charity’s contributions, which are in accordance with the recommendations of the Government Actuary, are charged in the period in which the salaries to which they relate are payable.

TAXATION

Brighton Dome and Festival Limited’s charitable activities fall within the exemptions afforded by section 505 of the Income Corporation Taxes Act 1988. The trading subsidiary, Brighton Dome and Festival (Trading) Limited donates its profits to the charitable company under the provisions of Gift Aid. Accordingly, there is no Corporation Tax charge in these accounts.

VALUE ADDED TAX

The Group is registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) and income and expenditure is stated net of VAT to the extent that it is recoverable.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Financial assets and liabilities are recognised when the Charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Trade debtors do not carry any interest and are stated at nominal amount less any provision for estimated irrecoverable amount. Trade creditors are not interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value.

JUDGEMENTS IN APPLYING ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

The group makes judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and the carrying values of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The resulting accounting estimates calculated using these judgements will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results but are based on the experience of the Directors (or Trustees) and the expectations of future events. The estimates are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is reviewed. Such basis include:

• Expenditure accounted for on an accruals basis

• Costs allocated to charities activities on a time basis.

• Grants and donations receivable are recognised when the conditions for receipt have been met.

28

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

• Valuation of musical instruments The valuation of musical instruments was made independently by Norman’s Instruments, a specialist in supplying Musical Education equipment. As of 31 March 2024, the group has reviewed its regularly maintained inventory of instruments across all locations. Instruments are classified as lost if their location has been unknown for more than one year. In such cases, the instruments are written off, as it is unlikely they will be retrieved in a condition that allows for future economic benefit.

29

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

1. GRANTS & DONATIONS – ANALYSIS BY FUND

Brighton and Hove City Council Arts Council England, South East Other grants Donations, Trusts and Foundations Members' subscriptions and events 2024 2023 COMPARATIVES Brighton and Hove City Council East Sussex County Council Arts Council England, South East Other grants Donations, Trusts and Foundations Members' subscriptions and events 2023	Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Operational funds 2024 £’000 Designated funds 2024 £’000s Projects 2024 £’000 Brighton Dome venue 2024 £’000 Total 2024 £’000
	1,977 - 76 1,297 3,350 - - 2,393 - 2,393 - - 64 - 64 214 - 224 1 439 92 - - - 92 ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── 2,283 - 2,757 1,298 6,338 ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ 2023 £’000 2023 £’000s 2023 £’000 2023 £’000 2023 £’000
	1,938 - 125 238 2,301 - - - - - - - 2,421 - 2,421 - - 157 - 157 255 - 318 41 614 83 - - - 83 ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── 2,276 - 3,021 279 5,576 ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

30

Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184)

2. GRANTS & DONATIONS - ANALYSIS BY TYPE

Brighton and Hove City Council Arts Council England Other grants Donations, Trusts and Foundations Members' subscriptions and events 2024 2023 COMPARATIVES Brighton and Hove City Council East Sussex County Council Arts Council England Other grants Donations, Trusts and Foundations Members' subscriptions and events 2023	Brighton Dome programme and hires 2024 £’000 Brighton Dome venues 2024 £’000 Creative Learning activity 2024 £’000 Brighton Festival 2024 £’000 2024 Total £’000
	2,043 1,297 10 - 3,350 1,171 - 1,222 - 2,393 - - 23 41 64 214 1 99 125 439 92 - - - 92 _ _ _ _ _ 3,520 1,298 1,354 166 6,338 ═════════ ════════ ═════════ ═══════ ══════ 2023_ £’000 2023 £’000 2023 £’000 2023 £’000 2023 £’000
	2,060 279 - - 2,339 - - - - - 1,171 - 1,148 - 2,319 35 - 64 61 161 274 - 282 119 675 83 - - - 83 _ _ __ _ _ 3,623 279 1,494 180 5,576 ═════════ ════════ ═════════ ═══════ ══════_

3. INCOME FROM TRADING ACTIVITIES

Sponsorship Event Hires Consultancy Other Income	Brighton Dome programme and hires £’000 Brighton Festival £’000 2024 Total £’000 2023 Total £’000
	- 95 95 83 223 - 223 180 70 - 70 70 5 - 5 5 ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── 298 95 393 338 ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ════════

31

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITES BY INCOME TYPE (B)

Ticket sales Performances and Hires Bar and catering for events Tuition & workshops Ticketing fees Programme sales Other Income (Restaurant) 2024 Ticket sales Performances and Hires Bar and catering for events Tuition & workshops Ticketing fees Programme sales 2023	Brighton Dome programme and hires 2024 £’000 Creative Learning activity 2024 £’000 Brighton Festival 2024 £’000 Total 2024 £’000
	2,788 75 534 3,397 1,914 24 - 1,938 1,143 - - 1,143 - 2,187 - 2,187 696 - - 696 39 - - 39 16 - - 16 ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── 6,596 2,286 534 9,416 ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ 2023 £’000 2023 £’000 2023 £’000 2023 £’000
	1,756 6 416 2,178 1,052 47 - 1,099 775 - - 775 - 2,107 - 2,107 568 - - 568 36 - - 36 ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── 4,187 2,160 416 6,763 ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

5. INVESTMENT INCOME

All of the Group’s investment income of £154,000 (2023: £67,000) arose from interest bearing deposit accounts.

32

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

6. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

The Charity undertakes direct charitable activities and does not make grant payments.

Brighton Dome programme and hires Creative Learning activity Brighton Festival Support and governance costs Brighton Dome venues Depreciation (charity) 2023 COMPARATIVES Brighton Dome programme and hires Creative Learning activity Brighton Festival Support and governance costs Brighton Dome venues Depreciation (charity) 2023

Unrestricted funds 2024 £’000 Designated funds 2024 £’000 Restricted funds 2024 £’000 Brighton Dome venue 2024 £’000 Total 2024 £’000

6,238 - 1,230 1,186 8,654 2,146 34 1,388 - 3,568 1,155 - 166 - 1,321 1,143 - - - 1,143 ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── 10,682 34 2,784 1,186 14,686 - - - 111 111 90 79 52 400 621 ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── 10,772 113 2,836 1,697 15,418 ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ 2023 £’000 2023 £’000 2023 £’000 2023 £’000 2023 £’000 4,692 9 1,620 - 6,321 1,972 - 1,445 - 3,417 1,154 - 206 - 1,360 1,159 - 23 - 1,182 ───────── __───────── __───────── __───────── ───────── 8,977 9 3,294 - 12,280 - - - 81 81 55 84 44 318 501 ───────── __───────── __───────── __───────── ───────── 9,032 93 3,338 399 12,862 ═════════ __═════════ __═════════ __═════════ ═════════

7. ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT AND GOVERNANCE COSTS

Executive and finance costs Lease payments Auditors remuneration Information technology	2024 Total £’000 2023 Total £’000
	719 802 87 68 22 25 315 287 ───────── ───────── 1,143 1,182 ═════════ ═════════

Costs are allocated to the Charity's activities on a time basis.

33

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

8. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS

The average number of permanent staff employed during the period, and as at 31 March 2024, was 206 (2023: 246) Additionally an average head count of 311 (2023: 296) casual weekly staff worked on an hourly basis to support events and performances.

Permanent staff are allocated to the charity’s activities as follows:

Artistic Planning Learning, Access & Participation Trading* Operations Marketing & Sales Development Support & Governance	2024 Number 2023 Number
	15 16 79 135 2 2 60 51 15 14 6 7 29 21 ───────── ───────── 206 246 ═════════ ═════════

*All staff engaged in trading related activities are employed through contracts with Brighton Dome and Festival Limited. Relevant costs are therefore recharged to Brighton Dome and Festival (Trading) Limited.

Payroll costs Wages and salaries Social security Other pension costs	2024 Total £’000 2023 Total £’000
	6,745 5,875 515 473 604 553 __ _ 7,864 6,901_ ══════ ══════

The number of employees who received emoluments greater than £60,000 in the following range was:

	2024	2023
	Number	Number
£60,001 - £70,000	4	2
£70,001 - £80,000	1	1
£80,001 - £90,000	-	1
£90,001 - £110,000	1	-
£110,001 - £115,000	-	-
£120,001 - £125,000	1	1

The Key Management Personnel are considered to be the Officers and Executive Management Team. Their employment benefits were £627,730 in 2024 (£606,350 in 2023).

34

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184)

Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

1. NET TRADING RESULTS OF SUBSIDIARY TRADING COMPANY BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL (TRADING) LIMITED

RADING) LIMITED
	2024	2023
	£’000	£’000
Turnover	388	332
Other Income	5	5
Cost of sales	(144)	(132)
	────────	────────
Gross profit	249	205
Administration and overheads	(118)	(97)
	─────────	─────────
	131	108
Interest receivable	11	1
	────────	────────
	142	109
Donation payable to parent company	(119)	(70)
	─────────	─────────
Net profit/ (loss)	23	39
	═════════	════════

Cost of sales includes £99,928 (2023: £68,172) charged by the parent company for the provision of services.

10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

None of the Trustees received any remuneration during the period under review. No Trustee expenses were incurred during the year (2023: £nil)

The financial results of our Trading Company (as per note 9 above) are reflected within our Consolidated SOFA on Page 22.

A yearly recharge is made in March between the Charity and Trading Company apportioning venue running costs on the basis of conference turnover/ total group turnover. This includes insurance, utilities and cleaning costs and is eliminated on consolidation. Inter Company balances as at 31 March 2024 were £245,097 (2023: £135,607).

35

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

GROUP
	Dome leasehold asset:			Venue
	Long-term		Short-term	Fittings	Musical	Office	Enabling
	Improve		Improve	and equip	Instruments	Equip	Works	Total
	£’000		£’000	£’000	‘£000s	£’000	£’000	£’000
COST
As at 1 April 2023	16,444		6,519	2,898	833	809	3,466	30,969
Additions	-		167	267	-	14	-	448
Disposals	-		-	-	(73)	-	(762)	(835)
Transfers	2,704						(2,704)	-
	────────		─────────	─────────	─────────	────────	────────	───────
As at 31 March 2024	19,148		6,686	3,165	760	823	-	30,582
	════════		═════════	═════════	═════════	════════	════════	═══════
DEPRECIATION
As at 1 April 2023	6,744		6,509	2,688	338	640	-	16,919
Charge for the period	410		16	62	82	61	-	631
Disposals	-		-	-	(40)	-	-	(40)
	────────		─────────	─────────	─────────	────────	────────	───────
As at 31 March 2024	7,154		6,525	2,750	380	701	-	17,510
	════════		═════════	═════════	═════════	════════	════════	══════
NET BOOK VALUE
As at 31 March 2024	11,994		161	415	380	121	-	13,072
	════════		═════════	═════════	═════════	════════	════════	═══════
As at 31 March 2023	9,700		10	210	495	169	3,466	14,050
	════════		═════════	═════════	═════════	════════	════════	═══════
COMPANY
	Dome leasehold asset:			Venue
	Long-term		Short-term	Fittings	Musical	Office	Enabling
	Improve		Improve	and equip	Instruments	Equip	Works	Total
	£’000		£’000	£’000	‘£000s	£’000	£’000	£’000
COST
As at 1 April 2023	16,444		6,519	2,898	833	769	3,466	30,929
Additions	-		167	267	-	14	-	448
Disposals	-		-	-	(73)	-	(762)	(835)
Transfers	2,704						(2,704)	-
	────────		─────────	─────────	─────────	────────	────────	───────
As at 31 March 2024	19,148		6,686	3,165	760	783	-	30,542
	════════		═════════	═════════	═════════	════════	════════	═══════
DEPRECIATION
As at 1 April 2023	6,743		6,509	2,688	338	619	-	16,897
Charge for the period	410		16	62	82	51	-	621
Disposals	-		-	-	(40)	-	-	(40)
	────────		─────────	─────────	─────────	────────	────────	───────
As at 31 March 2024	7,153		6,525	2,750	380	670	-	17,478
	════════		═════════	═════════	═════════	════════	════════	══════
NET BOOK VALUE
As at 31 March 2024	11,995		161	415	380	113	-	13,064
	════════		═════════	═════════	═════════	════════	════════	═══════
As at 31 March 2023	9,700		10	210	495	151	3,466	14,032
	════════		═════════	═════════	═════════	════════	════════	═══════

36

Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184)

11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS (continued)

All of the Group’s tangible fixed assets are used for activities in furtherance of the Charity’s objects. Arts Council England and Brighton & Hove City Council hold legal charges over the value of the leasehold asset in accordance with their standard funding terms.

The lease of the Brighton Dome was granted to Brighton Dome and Festival Limited in 1999 by Brighton & Hove City Council for a total of 50 years at a peppercorn rent. The leasehold improvements shown above represent the value of the capital refurbishment work carried out by the Group. The lease cannot be assigned or sold.

The main categories of fixed assets are as follows:

Dome leasehold asset: long-term improvements - represents the value of the main construction works to the venues with a useful life extending over the remaining term of the lease.

Dome leasehold asset: short-term improvements - represents the value of improvements to the venues with a useful life of ten years.

Brighton & Hove City Council have made available a Sinking Fund in order to provide for renewals of fixtures and fittings included in this category. The sinking fund reserve is built up from any remaining funds from the annual allocation set aside by Brighton & Hove City Council for the building. This remainder is created from funds not used by Brighton Dome and Festival Ltd in the revenue budgets or used for repair projects to Brighton Dome venues on an annual basis. The value of the reserve at 31 March 2024 the allocation stood at £177,833 (2023: £210,255) and is held in a designated account by Brighton & Hove City Council and consequently is not included in these accounts.

Venue fittings and equipment – represents the value of fittings and equipment purchased for the operation of the Dome venues, which have a useful life of five years.

Musical Instruments represents the estimated valuation of musical instruments leased to Brighton Dome and Festival by Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council for use by Brighton and Hove Music and Arts Service and East Sussex Music Service.

Office equipment – represents the value of computer hardware and software and similar items which have an expected useful life of three years.

37

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

12. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

Investment in subsidiaries:	2024 Cost £ 2023 Cost £
	100 100 ═════════ ═════════

The investment above represents Brighton Dome and Festival Limited’s investment in subsidiary companies. On 1 September 2005 the Group reorganised its subsidiaries following completion of the Brighton Dome Development. Since that date all charitable activities are managed in the registered charity, the Brighton Dome and Festival Limited. All non-charitable activities are managed through Brighton Dome and Festival (Trading) Limited. The remaining company in the Group was a dormant company from 1 September 2006.

Details of the subsidiaries as at 31 March 2024 are set out below:

Name	Controlling	Incorporated/Company number
	Interest
Brighton Dome and Festival (Trading) Limited	100%	UK 5541005

Both subsidiaries are registered at The Dance Space, Circus Street, Brighton, BN2 9AS

The net assets / (liabilities) of the subsidiaries at the end of the financial period were as follows:

			Net assets /	Net assets /
	Share capital	Reserves	(liabilities)
	£	£’000		£’000
Brighton Dome and Festival (Trading) Limited	100	137		137
STOCK
Group and Company			2024	2023
			£’000	£’000
Bar Stock			41	16
		─────────		─────────
Total			41	16
		═════════		═════════

13. STOCK

Stock recognised as an expense in 2024 totalled £243k (2023: 220k).

38

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

14. DEBTORS

BTORS
Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income Amounts owed by Brighton Dome and Festival (Trading) Limited Sundry debtors	Group Company 2024 2023 2024 2023 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
	533 479 371 395 552 1,276 541 1,275 - - 245 136 594 3 591 3 ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── 1,679 1,758 1,748 1,809 ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

15. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

Cash at bank and in hand includes petty cash, floats and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar amount.

16. CREDITORS – AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade creditors Accruals Deferred income Other creditors Taxation and social security VAT Payable	Group Company 2024 2023 2024 2023 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
	592 380 611 380 476 720 469 709 2,903 2,951 2,589 2,880 72 73 72 73 133 147 133 147 662 2 616 (22) ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── 4,838 4,273 4,490 4,167 ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

Royal Bank of Scotland holds a legal charge over the book debts of the Charity as security against the overdraft facility. Deferred income includes £2,457k (2023: £2,610k) relating to ticket sales for events taking place beyond the balance sheet date.

39

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

17. DEFERRED INCOME

Deferred Income < 1 year Balance as at 1 April Released in-year Deferred in-year Balance as at 31 March		Group 2024 £’000 2023 £’000	Group 2024 £’000 2023 £’000	Company 2024 £’000 2023 £’000	Company 2024 £’000 2023 £’000
		2,951 (2,914) 2,866 2,903	1,778 (1,743) 2,916 2,951	2,880 (2,843) 2,552 2,589	1,734 (1,710) 2,856 2,880

Deferred Income relates to advance deposits and advance ticket sales for events taking place beyond the balance sheet date.

18. CREDITORS – AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER ONE YEAR

Loan from BHCC Accrued Interest on BHCC Loan Deferred income	Group Company 2024 2023 2024 2023 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
	2,704 2,704 2,704 2,704 413 413 413 413 87 4 - - ───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── 3,204 3,121 3,117 3,117 ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

The loan of £2.7m is secured by a floating charge against the assets of the charity. The loan is repayable in equal instalments commencing in 2027 and ending in 2054. Interest is charged on the loan at 2.85%, with no interest accruing over the period 1 January 2022 and 1 April 2027.

40

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

19. ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENTS IN UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

	Balance at			Transfer to	Balance at 31
	1 April	Movement	in resources	designated	March
	2023	Income	Expenditure	funds	2024
	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
GROUP
Operational funds	983	12,246	(12,471)	63	821
	═════	══════	══════	═══════	═══════════
Designated funds
Musical Instruments	484	-	(79)	-	405
Dome and Festival investments	733	-	(34)	(65)	634
Corn Exchange redevelopment	413	-	-	(85)	328
costs & investments in future
sustainability
Community engagement & artistic	346	-	-	(30)	316
commissioning
Music Services future investment	785	-	-	(6)	779
	──────	──────	──────	─────────	─────────
Total designated funds	2,761	-	(113)	(186)	2,462
Total unrestricted funds 2023	3,744	12,246	(12,584)	(123)	3,283
	══════	══════	══════	═════════	═════════
2023 comparative	Balance at			Transfer to	Balance at 31
	1 April	Movement in resources		designated	March
	2022	Income	Expenditure	funds	2023
	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
GROUP
Operational funds	894	9,444	(9,433)	78	983
	═════	══════	══════	═══════	═══════════
Designated funds
Musical Instruments	568	-	(84)	-	484
Dome and Festival Investments	751	-	(9)	(9)	733
Corn Exchange redevelopment	413	-	-	-	413
costs & investments in future
sustainability
Community engagement & artistic	400	-	-	(54)	346
commissioning
Music Services future investment	800	-	-	(15)	785
	──────	──────	──────	─────────	─────────
Total unrestricted funds	3,826	9,444	(9,526)	-	3,744
	═══════	═══════	═══════	═══════	═══════

Designated funds brought forward represent the following purposes:

1. The carrying value of musical instruments, the use of which have been gifted to Brighton Dome and Festival by Brighton and Hove City Council for use by the Music Services.

2. This fund was previously named “managing future Covid-19 related risks” and has been renamed “Dome and Festival Investments”. The fund will be used for investments in the Dome and Festival that support future sustainability.

3. To create a fund to be spent on equipment and operational expenditure related to the completion of the Corn Exchange redevelopment, and other future investments that support operational sustainability

4. To create a fund for community engagement projects and commissioning new works of art 5. To designate funds to be used for future investment in the Music Services.

41

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

19. ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENTS IN UNRESTRICTED FUNDS (CONTINUED)

	Balance at			Transfer to	Balance at 31
	1 April	Movement	in resources	designated	March
	2023	Income	Expenditure	funds	2024
	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
COMPANY
Operational funds	846	12,060	(12,308)	63	661
	═════	══════	══════	═══════	═══════════
Designated funds
Musical Instruments	484	-	(79)	-	405
Dome and Festival investments	733	-	(34)	(65)	634
Corn Exchange redevelopment	413	-	-	(85)	328
costs & investments in future
sustainability
Community engagement & artistic	346	-	-	(30)	316
commissioning
Music Services future investment	785	-	-	(6)	779
	──────	──────	──────	─────────	─────────
Total designated funds	2,761	-	(113)	(186)	2,462
Total unrestricted funds	3,607	12,060	(12,421)	(123)	3,123
	══════	══════	══════	═════════	═════════
2023 comparative	Balance at			Transfer to	Balance at 31
	1 April	Movement in resources		designated	March
	2022	Income	Expenditure	funds	2023
	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
COMPANY
Operational funds	796	9,173	(9,201)	78	846
	═════	══════	══════	═══════	═════
Designated funds
Musical Instruments	568	-	(84)	-	484
Managing future Covid-19 related	751	-	(9)	(9)	733
risks
Corn Exchange redevelopment	413	-	-	-	413
costs & investments in future
sustainability
Community engagement & artistic	400	-	-	(54)	346
commissioning
Music Services future investment	800	-	-	(15)	785
Total unrestricted funds	3,728	9,173	(9,294)	-	3,607
	═══════	═══════	═══════	═══════	═══════

42

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

20. ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENT IN RESTRICTED FUNDS

GROUP AND COMPANY Brighton Dome Regeneration Project & Brighton Dome Venue Brighton Dome Other Projects Total 2024 2023 comparative GROUP AND COMPANY Brighton Dome Regeneration Project & Brighton Dome Venue Brighton Dome Other Projects Total 2023	Balance at 1 April Movement in resources Transfer from unrestricted funds Balance at 31 March 2023 Income Expenditure 2024 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
	9,605 1,298 (1,697) (199) 9,007 244 2,757 (2,836) 324 489 _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ 9,849 4,055 (4,533) 125 9,496 ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ Balance at 1 April Movement in resources Transfer from unrestricted funds Balance at 31 March 2022 Income Expenditure 2023 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
	9,725 279 (399) - 9,605 561 3,021 (3,338) - 244 _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ 10,286 3,300 (3,737) -- 9,849 ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

The Dome Regeneration Project fund represents the capitalised value received in respect of the development and regeneration of the Brighton Dome; it comprises improvements to the leasehold asset and income from fundraising activities. Arts Council England & Brighton and Hove City Council hold legal charges over the value of the leasehold asset in accordance with their standard funding terms.

The Dome Sinking Fund represents monies receivable from Brighton & Hove City Council to enable expenditure on certain items of building maintenance and renewals in accordance with the terms of the lease of the Brighton Dome venues.

Brighton Dome Other Projects Fund represents monies received from Individuals, Trusts, Foundations and other grant making bodies.

43

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

21. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

	Fixed		Other net
	Assets	Cash	assets/	Total
			(Liabilities)
	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
GROUP
Unrestricted funds	1,078	5,541	(3,620)	2,999
Restricted funds:
Brighton Dome Venue	9,290	-	-	9,290
Corn Exchange Renovation	2,704	-	(2,704)	-
Other Projects	-	489	-	489
	─────────	─────────	─────────	─────────
Total funds	13,072	6,030	(6,324)	12,778
	═════════	═════════	═════════	═════════
2023 Total	14,050	5,163	(5,620)	13,593
	═════════	═════════	═════════	═════════
COMPANY
Unrestricted funds	1,070	4,884	(2,800)	3,154
Restricted funds:
Brighton Dome Venue	9,290	-	-	9,290
Corn Exchange Renovation	2,704	-	(2,704)	-
Other Projects	-	489	-	489
	─────────	─────────	─────────	─────────
Total funds	13,064	5,373	(5,504)	12,933
	═════════	═════════	═════════	═════════
2023 Total	14,032	4,882	(5,458)	13,456
	═════════	═════════	═════════	═════════
22. 2023 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
	Fixed		Net Assets/
	Assets	Cash	(Liabilities)	Total
	2023	2023	2023	2023
	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
GROUP
Unrestricted funds	1,741	4,919	(2,916)	3,744
Restricted funds:
Brighton Dome Venue	9,605	-	-	9,605
Corn Exchange Renovation	2,704	-	(2,704)	-
Other Projects	-	244	-	244
	─────────	─────────	─────────	─────────
Total funds	14,050	5,163	(5,620)	13,593
	═════════	═════════	═════════	═════════
COMPANY
Unrestricted funds	1,723	4,638	(2,754)	3,607
Restricted funds:
Brighton Dome Venue	9,605	-	-	9,605
Corn Exchange Renovation	2,704	-	(2,704)	-
Other Projects	-	244	-	244
	─────────	─────────	─────────	─────────
Total funds	14,032	4,882	(5,458)	13,456
	═════════	═════════	═════════	═════════

44

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

23. PENSION COMMITMENTS

Defined contribution schemes

The Group operates defined contribution schemes for certain employees. The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the Group in independently administered funds. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Group and Charity to the funds and amounted to £305,850 (2023: £177,432). Included in the total are contributions of £26,850 (2023: of £23,676) which were owed to the relevant pension funds at 31 March 2024.

Teachers’ Pension Scheme

The Charity participates in the Teachers' Pension Scheme (England and Wales) ("the TPS") for relevant staff in the Music Services. The pension charge for the year includes contributions payable to the TPS of £442,843 (2023: £323,587) and at the year-end £37,774 (2023: £36,194) was accrued in respect of contributions to this scheme. The scheme is closed to new members.

The TPS is an unfunded multi-employer defined benefits pension scheme governed by The Teachers’ Pensions Regulations 2010 (as amended) and The Teachers’ Pension Scheme Regulations 2014 (as amended). Members contribute on a “pay as you go” basis with contributions from members and the employer being credited to the Exchequer. Retirement and other pension benefits are paid by public funds provided by Parliament.

The employer contribution rate is set by the Secretary of State following scheme valuations undertaken by the Government Actuary’s Department. The most recent actuarial valuation of the TPS was prepared as at 31 March 2020 and the Valuation Report, which was published in October 2023.

Following the McCloud judgement, the remedy proposed that when benefits become payable, eligible members can select to receive them from either the reformed or legacy schemes for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2022. The actuaries have assumed that members area likely to choose the option that provides them with the greater benefits, and in preparing the 2020 valuation have valued the ‘greater value’ benefits for groups of relevant members.

The valuation confirmed that the employer contribution rate for the TPS would increase from 23.6% to 28.6% from 1 April 2024. Employers are also required to pay a scheme administration levy of 0.08% giving a total employer contribution rate of 28.68%.

23. PENSION COMMITMENTS (continued)

Local Government Pension Scheme

The Charity also participate in the East Sussex Local Government Pension Scheme (“LGPS”) for relevant staff in the Music Services. The pension charge for the year includes contributions payable to the LGPS of £1,402 (2023: £2,126) and at the year-end £75 (2023: £447) was accrued in respect of contributions to this scheme. The scheme is closed to new members.

The East Sussex Local Government Pension Scheme is administered by the County Council. The scheme provides retirement benefits for County Council employees, but members also include employees of Brighton & Hove City Council, the five borough and district councils, academies, universities, colleges and public authorities.

In accordance with the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations, associated legislation and the Pensions Committee terms of reference, the East Sussex Pension Fund Pension Committee is responsible for all functions and responsibilities relating to the management of the East Sussex Pension Fund, this includes making arrangements for the investment, administration and management of the Pension Fund, receiving advice as appropriate from the Pension Board. The Pension Committee also agrees Policy Statements, as required under the LGPS regulations, and decides on the admission and cessation of bodies to the Pension Fund.

The employer contribution rate set by the administrators of the scheme was 0% of contributory pay during the 2022/23 and 2021/22 financial years.

45

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

24. RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net movement in funds Add back depreciation charge Add back loss on disposal of fixed assets Deduct interest income (Increase)/Decrease in stock (Increase)/Decrease in debtors Increase/(Decrease) in creditors Net cash used in operating activities	Group Group 2024 2023 £’000 £’000
	815 519 631 511 33 - (154) 67 (25) 5 6 (490) 721 1,005 ────── ────── 398 446

25. AGENCY RELATIONSHIP WITH BHCC (CAPTAL PROJECT)

During the financial year BDBF collected fundraising income and incurred costs on behalf of the Capital Project. Fundraising income is invoiced by BHCC, and costs recharged by BDBF. All balances relating to the funds raised and costs incurred were invoiced for by the balance sheet date.

26. AUDITORS REMUNERATION

A fee of £26,365 for the audit of the group of companies has been accrued in the 2023/24 accounts (2023: £24,000), and £NIL in respect of other services (2023: £3,000).

27. CONTINGENT LIABILITY IN RESPECT OF VAT TREATMENT

Consequent to the case of HMRC v Royal Opera House (April 2020) the charity has been working with specialised VAT advisors to undertake a detailed review of their VAT position. This review has been looking at several areas including but not limited to recoverability of production fees and associated costs; review of categorisation of ledger codes and introduction of new revenue streams to enhance recoverability.

The review is ongoing and although a historical liability to HMRC is possible, an estimate is not sufficiently reliable at this stage until the professional advice is concluded.

46

BRIGHTON DOME AND FESTIVAL LIMITED (Company Number: 00889184) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

28. 2023 COMPARATIVES FOR SOFA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(including consolidated Income & Expenditure Account)

Income: Grants & donations Income from charitable activities Income from trading activities Investment Income Total income Expenditure on: Cost of raising funds Expenditure on charitable activities Total expenditure Net (expenditure)/ income Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward

Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2023 Operations Designated Projects The Brighton Dome Venue £000's £000's £000's £000's £000's 2,276 - 3,021 279 5,576 6,763 - - - 6,763 338 - - - 338 67 - - - 67 ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── 9,444 - 3,021 279 12,744 ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── 401 - - - 401 9,032 93 3,338 399 12,862 ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── 9,433 93 3,338 399 13,263 ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── 11 (93) (317) (120) (519) 78 (78) - - - ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── 89 (171) (317) (120) (519) ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── 894 2,932 561 9,725 14,112 ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── 983 2,761 244 9,605 13,593 ════════ ════════ ════════ ════════ ════════

47