2024-03-31-accounts

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

Live Music Now TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES Annual Report 2023- 2024

4 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE TRUSTEES 7 MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE 8 MUSIC IN EDUCATION 18 MUSIC IN HEALTH 42 MUSIC IN PLACE 44 OUR MUSICIANS 54 LOOKING FORWARD 56 FUNDING & FUNDRAISING 58 CONTACT US

| 2

| 3

Message from the Chair of the Trustees Sir Vernon Ellis

In 1977, Sir Ian Stoutzker, alongside his close friend Lord Yehudi Menuhin, founded a groundbreaking organisation to bring live music to those who had little access to it. The vision laid out by Ian and Yehudi has touched the lives of countless individuals over the past 47 years. Live Music Now has brought joy, comfort and healing to those in need through over 100,000 interactive music workshops led by thousands of specially trained musicians. His passing in April 2024 leaves a legacy of improved well-being and community connections, which will continue to grow. Ian’s vision and commitment will always be seen as the sine qua non.

This was a challenging year for the charity. The continued funding and financial pressures affecting the entire charity sector have been juxtaposed against an everincreasing need for our work. Adapting to these challenges, Live Music Now has undertaken a restructure to both improve our economic outlook and support the development of our impact.

The Board remains committed to Live Music Now’s role as a leader, working locally and nationally in collaboration with others to forge a unified strategy for change. The evolution of Live Music Now will enable us to continue in that role, driving forward research, building deep expertise, and supporting our partners across Education, Health and Place. Work with Arts Councils across the UK has focused on diversifying our musicians’ workforce, increasing employment for disabled and neurodivergent musicians’ and better reflecting our participants in our workforce.

Live Music Now is thinking carefully about our role across the sector, and how our 47 years of experience and knowledge can be shared more broadly. The changes made in this year will enable us to take a causebased approach. Over the next year we will step up our work to articulate that impact and advocate for the role music has to play in addressing significant social needs.

This has not been an easy year for our staff, and I commend their continued dedication to musicians, our participants and each other. Our funding partners have shown flexibility and openness, and an ongoing commitment to delivering change alongside communities.

I remain deeply convinced that music provides a unique role in our society, providing joy, inspiration and opportunity, speaking across all facets of our community. The changes undergone by Live Music Now will enable us to adapt to the continuously evolving landscape and ensure that, as with Sir Ian and Yehudi’s vision, everyone has access to the life-changing power of music.

Sir Ian Stoutzker and Sir Vernon Ellis in 2018. Read more about Sir Ian Stoutzer’s remarkable contributions to the music and art world here.

| 4

| 5

Total Sessions 2023-24

Total Audience 2023-24

Message from the Chief Executive Janet Fischer

Reflecting on this past year at Live Music Now, I am struck by both the challenges we've faced and the moments of

profound joy we've witnessed through the transformative power of music. Though we've had to make some difficult decisions in an increasingly challenging landscape, our impact has never been stronger – delivering more sessions than ever before alongside our trusted partners and exceptional musicians.

Our dedicated staff team and deeply invested board have shown unwavering commitment to our mission of championing social impact through music. Together, we've grown and diversified our musicians' workforce, making it more representative of the communities we serve and evolved our programmes to leave a legacy of music and impact, empowering others to use music for change.

Working alongside our partners in education, health, and place, we continue to witness how music builds agency, connection, and resilience. Leading this remarkable team is a profound privilege, yet I'm acutely aware of how much more we must do to support our communities during these challenging times.

Chief Executive Janet Fischer about to run the TCS London Marathon raising funds for Live Music Now.

| 6

| 7

Music in Education

Sessions 2023-24

During 2023-24, Live Music Now’s Music in Education work continued to focus on expanding access to music for children and young people with additional learning needs.

Recognising that many Disabled children lack access to specialist music provision, our programmes connect skilled musicians with schools and communities to bridge this gap. Through creative music projects and participatory concerts, students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are supported to work with their peers to explore and create their own music, as well as experience different styles of music performed by Live Music Now musicians.

Reach 2023-24

The sessions offer opportunities for personal, social and musical growth, as well as supporting broader goals such as environmental awareness and cross cultural connections.

As a result, Live Music Now’s efforts have been recognized with multiple nominations in The Music & Drama Education Awards 2024, celebrating our progressive and inclusive impact in music education.

| 8

| 9

AUTISM RESOURCE BASES MUSIC PROGRAMME

Research shows that many autistic children appear to have a special affinity for music, which can be used to support language development, social skills and emotional regulation. It’s thought that around 5-10% may have unusual musical potential through exceptional auditory development that occurs in the early years. However, nationally, music provision in Autism Resource Bases is inconsistent.

of the music sessions on children’s levels of confidence and enagement, alongside communication skills.

With our partners Resonate Music Hub (Liverpool), Sound Foundation Somerset Music Hub, Harrow Music Hub, and the music education charity Music Masters, we remain committed to advocating for the vital importance of tailored music provision for autistic children and young people.

Thanks to funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Youth Music and the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and the Vernon Ellis Foundation, we are piloting a music programme with Autism Resource Bases in England and Northern Ireland. The aim is to increase opportunities for children and young people to engage and interact through creative music activities.

“The pupils have benefitted so much, their confidence has sky-rocketed! They were so happy with the end result.”

In 2023-24,the second year of the

programme, 140 children from 10 schools in Liverpool, Somerset, Belfast, Islington and Harrow worked alongside their teachers and Live Music Now musicians to explore, create and perform their own music. Schools consistently reported the positive impact

TEACHER

Read more about our work in Autism Resource Bases here .

| 10

| 11

MUSICAL MONDAYS

Live Music Now’s Musical Mondays reached an impressive 17,441 children across England and Wales in 2023-24, using music to support mental health, cultural connection, and emotional expression among young people. Through virtual concerts featuring Live Music Now musicians, pupils across Manchester, Cumbria, Merseyside, Norfolk & Suffolk, Essex and Wales, engaged with live music directly from their classrooms. These interactive sessions, supported by local music hubs, allowed students to experience the joy and relaxation of music, with many describing the concerts as “calm”, “exciting” and “joyful.”

INSPIRE: MUSICIANS IN RESIDENCE IN DERRY

In 2023/24, jazz musician John Leighton served as “Musician in Residence” at Ardnashee College in Derry as part of Live Music Now’s Inspire programme, which enhances musical opportunities for children and young people with additional learning needs. Supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Ulster Garden Villages, the residency allowed John to work with 45 students in small groups, tailoring sessions to their musical interests and accessibility needs. Through these sessions, students explored, created, and performed their own music, while developing communication skills, self-expression, and confidence.

In May 2023, Musical Mondays Eurovision Special connected 73,000 students from Liverpool City Region, Ukraine, and Poland in a unique celebration. Folk trio Fernleaf led a lively mix of UK and European songs, followed by 180 pupils joining the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic in a powerful crosscultural exchange. Part of the “United By Music” initiative, this event showcased music’s role in fostering connection and unity across borders. Through programmes like these, Live Music Now continues to demonstrate the power of music to enrich lives and build global connections.

Read more about our Musical Monday series here.

The entire school also enjoyed participatory concerts by Live Music Now groups throughout the year, showcasing a variety of musical styles. Teachers observed remarkable engagement, including students with complex needs, noting the joy and connection music brought to their lives. BBC Radio’s Mark Patterson visited a session in December, capturing the positive impact on students and staff alike.

Listen here.

| 12

| 13

HARMONY IN THE DUNES IN SOUTH WALES

Harmony in the Dunes was an innovative project by Plantlife Cymru and Live Music Now, designed to connect primary school students in South Wales with nature through music.

The pilot took place across four schools, where students visited local dune ecosystems to discover the rich biodiversity within these landscapes. Inspired by their experiences, each class collaborated with Live Music Now musicians to create original songs that reflected the beauty and importance of these habitats.

The project blended environmental education with music, encouraging students to express their newfound

knowledge through melody and rhythm. The compositions ranged from lively pieces to tranquil tunes, mirroring the dynamic dunes.

The initiative concluded with a showcase where students performed their pieces, promoting both artistic expression and environmental awareness.

Supported by the EU LIFE Programme, National Lottery Heritage Fund, and A&B Cymru’s CultureStep, Harmony in the Dunes demonstrated the power of interdisciplinary learning to inspire and educate. This project was nominated for an Environmental award at the 2024 Arts and Business Cymru awards.

----- Start of picture text -----
H A R M O N Y I N T H E D U N E S I N S O U T H W A L E S
----- End of picture text -----

Watch the Musical Dunes video and read more here.

| 14

| 15

HARMONI YN Y TWYNI: MAE PLANTLIFE CYMRU A LIVE MUSIC NOW YN DECHRAU’R PROSIECT ARBROFOL ‘TWYNI CERDDOROL’ SY’N CYSYLLTU MYFYRWYR A NATUR

Mewn menter arbrofol, mae Plantlife Cymru a Live Music Now wedi ymuno i gyflwyno ‘twyni cerddorol’ i ysgolion cynradd yn Ne Cymru gan greu cyswllt cytûn rhwng addysg, ymwybyddiaeth amgylcheddol a byd cerddoriaeth.

Cynhaliwyd y prosiect peilot ar draws pedair ysgol gynradd yn Ne Cymru lle’r oedd myfyrwyr yn mynd ar ymweliadau â systemau twyni lleol oedd yn agoriad llygad iddyn nhw. Roedd y teithiau’n datgelu byd cudd o fywyd planhigion gwyllt yn byw o fewn y tirweddau naturiol hyn.

Wedi cael eu trwytho gyda gwybodaeth newydd am bwysigrwydd cynnal yr ecosystemau eiddil hyn, gofynnwyd i bob Dosbarth gyflawni her unigryw - i gyfansoddi caneuon gwreiddiol oedd yn cael eu hysbrydoli gan eu profiadau. I sicrhau bywyd i’w gweledigaethau cerddorol, roedd cerddorion Livee Music Now yn cydweithio gyda’r myfyrwyr gan drawsnewid eu hymwybyddiaeth amgylcheddol newydd i alawon oedd yn adleisio harddwch y twyni.

Roedd y prosiect ‘twyni cerddorol’ nid yn unig yn pontio’r gofod rhwng addysg amgylcheddol a’r celfyddydau ond hefyd yn rhoi cyfle uniongyrchol i fyfyrwyr ymchwilio a gwerthfawrogi rhyfeddodau naturiol yn eu hardal nhw eu hunain. “Y syniad oedd creu profiad synhwyraidd ar gyfer y myfyrwyr gan uno hud natur gyda phŵer cerddoriaeth,” meddai Jen Abel Cyfarwyddwr Live Music Now Cymru. “Roedd y twyni’n datblygu nid yn unig yn ystafell ddosbarth ond hefyd yn llwyfan

i greadigrwydd lle ‘r oedd myfyrwyr yn darganfod rhythm y byd naturiol.”

Roedd y cyfansoddiadau oedd yn dilyn yn ymestyn o alawon hyfryd oedd yn adleisio egni’r twyni i alawon mwy tawel oedd yn adleisio tawelwch y dirwedd arfordirol. Roedd mynegiadau cerddorol y myfyrwyr nid yn unig yn arddangos eu talentau artistig ond hefyd yn cynnig iddyn nhw gyfrwng pwerus i gyfathrebu pwysigrwydd cynnal ecosystemau lleol.

Ar ddiwedd y prosiect, cafwyd arddangosfa lle’r oedd myfyrwyr yn perfformio eu cyfansoddiadau ar gyfer eu cyfoedion a’u hathrawon. Roedd y prosiect ‘twyni cerddorol’ nid yn unig yn meithrin cysylltiad dyfnach rhwng myfyrwyr a natur ond hefyd yn amlygu’r potensial ar gyfer ymagweddau posibl ar gyfer agweddau rhyngddisgyblaethol, newydd i addysg.

Cefnogir ‘Darluniau Deinamig y Twyni’ gan y Rhaglen EU LIFE a Chronfa Treftadaeth y Loteri Cenedlaethol. Partneriaid y Prosiect yw Bywyd Planhigion Naturiol Lloegr, Yr Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol ac Adnoddau Naturiol Cymru a’r Ymddiriedolaethau Bywyd Gwyllt. Mae Cysylltiadau Gwyrdd Pen y Bont ar Ogwr yn cael eu cefnogi gan Gronfa Cymuned Loteri Cenedlaethol. Mae Bywyd Planhigion Cymru a Live Music Now wedi derbyn buddsoddiad gan A&B CultureStep Cymru i atgyfnerthu a datblygu eu partneriaeth greadigol.

Gwelwch a chlywch mwy isod!

Gwyliwch Fersiwn isdeitlau Cymraeg y ffilm yma.

| 16

| 17

Music in Health

Total Sessions 2023-24

Live Music Now’s needs-based, impactful Music In Health programme offers support for people in health, community and care settings across the life course. Our models, delivered by trained professional musicians:

Animate Spaces
Support Individuals & Communities
Address Medical Needs & Life Challenges
Empower Health and Care Professionals

‘The staff have seen first-hand the impact music can make – we’ve always known but for staff to witness the impact there’s not one staff member that wouldn’t say the same thing – they were all buzzing.’

CARE HOME MANAGER

As a UK-wide charity we also play a leading role in National Creative Health Initiatives.

| 18

| 19

Music in Health Live Music in Care

Reach 2023-24

Our Live Music in Care model integrates live music with workforce development and wellbeing initiatives to create a holistic approach to care. Developed in partnership with the University of Winchester, this model brings professional musicians into care settings for residencies where they work alongside staff and residents, including people living with dementia. Through activities such as making music, skills training, co-delivery, planning,

Impact 2023-24

OUR PARTICIPATORY PERFORMANCES IN CARE HOMES HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE MOOD AND ENGAGEMENT OF THE RESIDENTS.

In 88 feedback responses from care staff, 97% reported positive responses from the residents to the performances, with a demonstrable shift from reserved, quiet, passive/still to interested, entertained, chatty, friendly, enthusiastic or appreciative.

Top level mood ratings, as observed by staff, went up from 14% before the activity to 90% during the activity and 94% after the activity ended.

Observed engagement with the performance and musician increased from a top level baseline of 16% to 87% during the performance and 92% afterwards.

and reflection, the model nurtures and

enhances "Musical Care" across the setting. Outcomes include increased understanding, confidence, and skills for care teams, alongside improved well-being and engagement for residents. The whole care environment benefits as music becomes an integrated part of daily life, enriching relationships and supporting individual health benefits for residents.

97% reported positive responses

| 20

| 21

MUSIC IN DEMENTIA CARE: THE BEECHES CARE HOME

In Spring 2023, Live Music Now delivered a ten-week Live Music in Care project at The Beeches Care Home in Merseyside to support residents living with dementia. Funded by Parkhaven Trust through the PH Holt Foundation, musicians Elfair Dyer (harp) and Ste Forshaw (guitar/vocals) led weekly interactive music sessions across three units, engaging up to 15 residents per session.

The impact was profound, with staff noting that music brought joy and helped lessmobile and non-verbal residents to sing and move along with the music, enhancing their daily lives and connection to the group. Staff also benefited from the sessions, gaining confidence in using music as a tool for dementia care and experiencing boosted morale from seeing the positive effects on residents.

Through music, the project successfully lifted residents' moods, encouraged participation, and improved their relationships with each other and staff.

The Beeches team has since integrated more music into daily routines, demonstrating the long-lasting benefits of this project.

“To see the change in people’s faces and to see those who have got up, who usually choose not to walk, moving their legs and having a dance… it had a real positive effect on our unit.”

SAM BRADLEY, CARE STAFF MEMBER, ELM WING

BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND CONNECTION AT THE PARAMS

In Winter 2023-24, Live Music Now delivered an 11-week music project at The Params, a family-run care home in Purley, London, with funding from the City Bridge Foundation.

Evaluation feedback from staff who

had taken part in our Live Music In Care workforce development residencies confirmed a positive impact on their ability to use music in their care work. On a 1-5 rating (with 5 being the highest impact) 75% rated their understanding, confidence and skills in use of music in care as 5 ‘Very Good’ and 25% rated as 4 'Good'.

Duo Furioso, two skilled cellists, guided residents and care staff in interactive music sessions, focusing on empowering staff to lead these activities independently.

By the end, staff had fully embraced the music-making process, enhancing the residents' lives.

The project highlights the transformative power of music in care, fostering connection and creativity that continues even beyond the programme’s conclusion.

“Doing the music sessions had a huge impact. They helped to get the connections back. Not only for the relationships with residents, but also as a team as well; lifting the energy of the team and the energy of the room. After you had done that session, if you had to go and sort out the washing or do other jobs you are feeling energised by it and feel good.”

STAFF MEMBER

Learn more about our work in care homes here.

| 24

| 25

Music in Health

Community Concerts

Reach 2023-24

Loneliness significantly impacts health, posing a risk even greater than obesity and physical inactivity, with strong evidence linking social isolation to increased premature mortality. Regular cultural engagement, like attending musical events, has been shown to reduce the risk of depression, especially for older adults. Live music plays a unique role in fostering social bonding by creating a welcoming and relaxed environment where people feel safe to connect.

Our Songs and Scones programme, monthly memory cafés, and All Together Now series for families with additional needs are designed with this in mind. These programmes bring people together through live music, offering inclusive spaces where attendees can enjoy beautiful performances, socialise, and build meaningful connections.

Live Music Now musician Louis Bingham performs at the Eden Project. Event hosted in collaboration with Memory Matters Cornwall and the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network. Hosted and funded by Nature’s Way.

| 26

| 27

SONGS & SCONES

BUILDING COMMUNITIES AND ALLEVIATING LONELINESS FOR THOSE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

The Songs & Scones programme offers live music socials for people facing loneliness and isolation, especially older adults. Monthly sessions combine live music with social time and refreshments, fostering a warm, safe environment for community connection.

that 85% of participants felt more connected to their community, with 80% reporting improved positivity.

These events are often fully booked, underscoring their popularity and impact. Medway Council’s support reflects the programme’s alignment with local priorities in social engagement and community building.

Recent evaluations of our partnership programme with Medway Libraries showed

“Medway Council is delighted to be a partner and support Song & Scones. This programme has helped create a community safe space for older people living independently in the community who may feel isolated, to come together and meet new people in a welcoming and accessible environment. The benefits and the outcomes of the project are far reaching across multiple Council services.”

ROBYN GOLDSMITH, MEDWAY COUNCIL CULTURE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER.

Find out more about Songs & Scones here.

“Songs and Scones makes me feel happy and part of a social group. I have reduced my anti-depressants since coming here. It is the highlight of my week.”

PARTICIPANT

| 28

| 29

COMFORTED BY THE COMPANY

NEWHAM COMMUNITY SONGWRITING PROJECT UNITES OLDER RESIDENTS IN A MUSICAL CELEBRATION

In a heartwarming showcase of community spirit, residents of Newham came together for the end-of-project performance of a unique songwriting initiative with Live Music Now.

of participants either “Agreed” or “Strongly Agreed” with the statement, “Taking part in the music sessions [this project] has made me feel more positive.” One participant even shared that the experience had made her feel “Alive and wonderful".

The project, a collaboration between Community Transport Newham and two talented Live Music Now musicians, Ainsley Hamill and Toby Shaer, unfolded over six weeks, culminating in the creation and recording of a song titled “Comforted by the Company".

The collaborative effort of Live Music Now, Community Transport Newham, and the talented musicians not only resulted in a beautiful musical composition but also left a lasting imprint on the well-being and positivity of those involved.

Aimed at fostering connections among older members of the community, the songwriting project saw participants from diverse backgrounds joining forces to share their stories and create music. Despite many having migrated to Newham from different places, the participants expressed a shared sense of belonging and warmth through the project, echoing sentiments of unity in the song’s lyrics:

As the song “Comforted by the Company” resonates through the community, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of music and community engagement, proving that in Newham, harmony can be found in the shared experiences of its residents.

“I feel comforted by the company, I’m comforted with you here. It feels like home.”

The impact of the project extended beyond the music, as revealed in the end-of-project evaluation forms. An overwhelming 100%

Find out more about Comforted by the Company here.

| 30

| 31

ALL TOGETHER NOW

CONCERTS FOR FAMILIES WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

Live Music Now’s All Together Now concerts offered a welcoming social morning of live music, conversation, and refreshments for Medway families with children and young people with additional learning needs and disabilities. These relaxed events provided a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, enjoy interactive music sessions led by Live Music Now musicians, and share in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.

Following the music, families had time to socialize over free refreshments, creating a space for connection and enjoyment. As one participant put it, “I am full of sunshine because I am enjoying the music.”

“I really enjoyed in and felt it benefitted all three of my children, two who have SEND and one who doesn’t. It was lovely to watch them be able to participate in something together”

2024 MEDWAY PARENT

MUSICIANS IN HOSPITALS

Live Music Now musician Maz O’Connor brought warmth and connection to stroke wards at Lewisham Hospital through a residency in Spring 2023. Engaging patients with live music tailored to their tastes, Maz helped lift spirits, reduce loneliness, and bring comfort to patients. Her sensitive

approach fostered emotional moments, including singing an Australian sea shanty for a patient who became visibly moved. These interactions illustrate how music can touch lives deeply, providing solace and companionship in challenging times.

CELEBRATING NHS 75: A MILESTONE OF MUSIC AND CARE

On July 5, 2023, Live Music Now celebrated the 75th anniversary of the NHS, recognizing its vital role as the UK’s universal healthcare provider since 1948. Live Music Now has been partnering with the NHS since 1977, bringing live music into healthcare settings to support the well-being of patients, visitors, and staff.

In Wales, our musicians Seren Winds opened the NHS 75 celebrations at the Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament, reflecting over 30 years of collaboration with NHS Cymru to use music for health outcomes.

At Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, a two-year programme funded by Youth Music focuses on mental health support for young patients, with nine musicians observing significant improvements in children’s well-being and confidence.

Our partnership with North Bristol NHS Trust’s Fresh Arts programme, established in 2018, brings music to the wards of Southmead and Cossham hospitals, benefiting both patients and staff.

In Calderdale and Dewsbury, we work with the South West Yorkshire NHS Foundation in care settings for older adults, younger adults with learning disabilities, and forensic health services, where music is used to uplift and connect residents.

Our Lullaby Projects, delivered in partnership with NHS and community organizations, support maternal mental health, early childhood development, and family well-being, with projects like the one in Toxteth, Liverpool, reaching families from the Sudanese community.

At Royal Brompton Hospital in Chelsea, we provide weekly live music sessions, bringing comfort and connection to patients, visitors, and staff.

| 38

| 39

FEEDBACK FROM OVER 100 SURVEYS CONDUCTED AT THE BELFAST DAY CENTRE EVENTS SHOW:

BELFAST DAY CENTRES WITH BELFAST HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE TRUST

In Northern Ireland, Live Music Now collaborated with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to deliver concerts for older people attending day centres across Belfast, supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's Arts and Older People Programme, marking three decades of music-making in the region.

Live Music Now's enduring partnership with the NHS demonstrates the powerful role of music in enhancing healthcare environments and supporting the mental and emotional well-being of all who experience it.

Read more about our NHS collaborations here.

97% 52% 57% RATED THE EVENT AS NEVER OR RARELY GO NEVER OR RARELY GOOD OR EXCELLENT TO A PUBLIC SOCIAL GO TO CULTURAL EVENT EVENTS

69% 85% 86% TALKED TO SOMEONE SAID THAT ATTENDING SAID THAT ATTENDING THEY DIDN’T KNOW THE EVENT MADE THEM THE EVENT MADE THEM BEFORE FEEL MORE CONNECTED FEEL MORE POSITIVE. TO THEIR COMMUNITY.

“I loved the relaxed atmosphere and the easy humour. It's also great to have a live music event of such quality presented so close to home. Thank you!”

“Brilliant idea to develop for older people who can interact and enjoy music - keep these activities going.”

“It was a most enjoyable experience. Felt very welcome. Really enjoyed the musician’s interaction”

| 40

| 41

Music in Place

Live Music Now’s Music in Place strategy integrates musicians as vital contributors within communities. This approach connects with local authorities, NHS Integrated Care Boards, social care, children’s services, music education hubs, and other cultural organisations to deliver equitable access to music and address local social issues. By positioning musicians as key figures in their own communities, the programme promotes economic and cultural engagement while nurturing local talent and fostering long-term relationships.

Focused on co-creation, our strategy prioritizes communities facing social exclusion and health inequalities. Currently, research and development pilots are underway in Medway, Merseyside, Neath Port Talbot in Wales and Limavady in Northern Ireland—areas marked by high deprivation and significant health challenges. Partnerships with universities support long-term evaluation and learning, ensuring community-driven outcomes are tracked and met through collaborative, impactful interventions.

THE LEAP - CELEBRATING LIMAVADY’S HERITAGE THROUGH MUSIC

Award-winning Live Music Now musicians Conor Lamb and Deirdre Galway of Réalta performed at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in April 2023, premiering "The Leap," a piece inspired by Limavady and commissioned by Live Music Now Northern Ireland. Over the past five years, the musicians have connected with the community by performing in local schools, centres, and care homes. The performance

included young musicians from Jimmy O'Hara Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and poet Anne McMaster. Supported by the Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund, in partnership with Business to Arts and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, this project connects residents to their heritage and fosters a sense of pride in local traditions.

Our Musicians

Musicians 2023-24

Our musicians are at the heart of everything we do; without them, the transformative impact we bring to communities wouldn’t be possible. We continuously invest in their development through robust training and mentoring programmes, designed to build their confidence and equip them with a versatile toolkit of skills they can rely on throughout their careers.

The progression opportunities we offer are guided by our Competency and Training Frameworks: Inspire, for working with children and young people, and Live Music in Care, for work in adult social care settings. These frameworks provide benchmarks for musicians’ growth, encourage selfreflection, help identify training needs, and enable us to assess and foster quality practice.

Following an induction and foundational training supported by their initial community performances in a variety of settings, each musician embarks on a unique development journey shaped by their personal interests and experiences.

To further enhance diversity, we work with partners like Diverse Artists Network to increase the representation of artists in our programme.

| 44

| 45

FILKIN'S DRIFT

870 MILES – 2 MUSICIANS – 40 SHOWS

reflected in the Welsh words Cerdd (music) and Cerdded (to walk). By traveling on foot, the duo integrated the experience of the landscape into their music, gathering songs, stories, and sounds from the people and places they encountered. These experiences enriched their performances, creating a musical tapestry of the Welsh coast.

“Is there a way to tour where we can get a sense of the places we're visiting, and approach touring in a more sustainable way?”

SETH BYE, FILKIN'S DRIFT

The tour, called CERDD // ED, addressed global environmental concerns locally, showcasing an innovative model for low-impact touring. Supported by Help Musicians and Fusion Gig Bags, and fundraising for Live Music Now, Filkin’s Drift’s journey highlighted a creative and sustainable approach to touring, demonstrating how music and community engagement can thrive with minimal environmental impact.

To celebrate the release of their album, Rembard’s Retreat, Live Music Now musicians Seth Bye and Chris Roberts of the folk duo Filkin’s Drift embarked on a unique and ambitious journey. They walked the entire 870-mile Wales Coast Path, performing nightly shows along the way. This approach not only showcased their music but also redefined sustainable touring.

Amidst the ongoing climate crisis and a renewed desire for connection in a postCOVID world, Filkin’s Drift explored a bold alternative to conventional music tours. Their journey drew inspiration from the ancient Welsh bardic tradition, in which music and walking are deeply connected—

----- Start of picture text -----
F I N K I N S D R I F T
----- End of picture text -----

Watch and listen to Filkin's Drift incredible journey through their weekly video blogs here.

| 46

| 47

MUSICIANS’ LISTING 2023-2024

CYRMU Luke Adams Voice, Guitar - Ukulele, Guitar - Acoustic Michael Blanchfeld Piano Lizzie Bonsell Flute, Saxophone, Piano Emma Craig Saxophone Lowri Evans Guitar - Ukulele, Piano, Guitar - Acoustic,Voice Daisy Evans Clarinet Giordano Ferla Piano Amruta Garud Harmonium Michael Gibbs French Horn Polly Gibbs Bassoon Sam Green Drum Kit Harry Greenway Percussion James Harrison Congas Tom Harvey Guitar - Acoustic, Guitar - Electric Katie Hole Bass Clarinet Delyth Jenkins Piano, Harp Angharad Jenkins Fiddle Maddie Jones Piano, Guitar - Acoustic, Voice Aneirin Jones Fiddle Richard Jones Voice Eryl Jones Voice, Guitar - Banjo, Mandolin,Guitar - Acoustic Nils Kavanagh Piano Richy Lewis Voice, Piano Katie Lower Flute Andy Mackenzie Guitar - Ukulele, Guitar - Banjo,Guitar - Acoustic Kirsten Miller Cello Corey Morris Trumpet Megan Morris Harp Shelley Musker Turner Harp Tom Owen Guitar - Acoustic, Violin	Gruffudd Owen Drum Kit
	Laura Potter Clarinet
	Greg Robley Guitar - Acoustic, Piano, Voice - Bass
	Megan Rushbrook Piano
	Cameron Saint Double Bass
	Clement Saynor Guitar - Bass Guitar, Double Bass
	Dora Seaton Piano
	Bethan Semmens Harp
	Rachel Starritt Piano
	Tom Taffnder French Horn
	Dafydd Thomas Trombone
	Lowri Thomas Flute, Viola
	Billy Thompson Violin
	Siobhan Waters Saxophone, Voice
	Josh Whyte Guitar - Acoustic
	Jordan Williams Cello
	Eric Wolfe-Gordon Oboe
	Dean Yhnell Voice - Beatboxer
	ENGLAND: NORTH EAST
	Sam Barrett Mandolin, Guitar - Banjo, Guitar - 12 string
	Emily Bowden Piano, Voice, Violin
	Ford Collier Tabla, Penny Whistle, Guitar - Acoustic,Voice
	Matthew Cotterhill Sousaphone
	Andrew Cox Saxophone
	Simon Czestochowski Trumpet
	Will Fletcher Percussion
	David Gray Melodeon
	Katie Griffn Guitar - Banjo, Voice
	Merle Harbron Voice, Violin
	Jade Harris Voice

Tom Hawthorn Drum Kit Samuel Hodgson Voice, Guitar - Acoustic Rosie Hood Violin, Voice Ruth Lee Voice, Harp Nicolas Lewis Guitar - Acoustic Katie MacLeod Guitar - Acoustic, Voice, Cello Joss Mann-Hazell Double Bass Michael McLernon Piano, Cajon, Drum Kit, Piano Accordion Harry Orme Guitar, Vocals Samuel Partridge Duet Concertina Graziana Presicce Piano Matt Quinn Duet Concertina Jamie Roberts Voice, Guitar - Acoustic Simon Robinson Banjo Chris Ruffoni Guitar - Bass Guitar Suzi Saperia Voice Joe Skelton Guitar Grace Smith Fiddle Michael Thacker Clarinet, Double Bass, Guitar - Acoustic Stephen Travers Voice, Bouzouki, Guitar - Acoustic Joanne Veal Recorder, Clarinet ENGLAND: NORTH WEST Sarah Austen Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone Jonathan Bates Tenor Horn Emma Black Guitar - Acoustic Gillian Blair Saxophone Nicole Boardman Voice - Mezzo-Soprano Adam Bowman Oboe Mickey Bryan Piano, Saxophone Philippa Bryan Voice, Flute Michael Cavanagh Baritone Horn Elfair Dyer Harp Tom Edwards French Horn Steven Forshaw Guitar - Acoustic, Vocals Rachel Fright Piano James Girling Guitar - Classical Ben Gorb Guitar - Acoustic, Voice Abigail Hammett Viola Esme Higgins Guitar - Acoustic, Ukulele Cara Houghton Flute David Kelly Drum Kit	Borna Kuca Mandolin, Guitar - Classical
	Leila Marshall Piccolo, Flute
	Rebecca McIlroy Harp
	Eleanor Mills Saxophone, Clarinet, Bassoon
	Elinor Nicholson Harp
	Lucy Nolan Harp
	Rafael Onyett Guitar - Classical
	Iwan Owen Piano
	Alice Phelps Voice, Double Bass
	Hedi Pinkerfeld Guitar
	Chris Robertson Euphonium
	Edward Robinson Voice - Baritone
	Sam Rodwell Guitar - Classical
	Ben Sayah Guitar - Bass Guitar
	Jamie Smith Cornet
	Jessica Tomlinson Saxophone, Clarinet
	Dan Walsh Banjo, Guitar, Vocals
	ENGLAND: SOUTH EAST
	Jernej Albreht Clarinet
	Gavin Alexander Voice, Guitar - Acoustic
	Charlotte Badham Voice
	Jali BakaryKonteh Kora
	Luke Baxter Marimba
	Rosie Bergonzi Steelpan/Handpan
	Daria Bitsiuk Piano
	André Borges Flute, Saxophone
	Dunia Botic Voice
	Jonatan Bougt Guitar - Classical, Theorbo
	Rosie Bowker Piccolo,Flute
	James Bramley Theorbo, Lute
	Gideon Brooks Trumpet
	Ben Brown Guitar - Acoustic, Voice
	Josh Brown Saxophone
	Harry Buckoke Viola da Gamba
	Seth Bye Fiddle
	Joseph Cavalli-Price Voice - Tenor, Piano
	Marie Cayeux Voice
	Adam Clark Guitar - Banjo, Voice, Guitar - Acoustic
	Chris Claxton Tuba
	Georgina Dadson Guitar - Acoustic
	Glain Dafydd Harp

| 48

| 49

Reuben Dakin Saxophone Fernando de Morais Machado Percussion, Guitar - Acoustic Dominic Degavino Piano Sian Dicker Voice - Soprano Alua Do Nascimento Vibraphone Twm Dylan Guitar - Acoustic Llinos Emanuel Voice Fábio Fernandes Lute, Guitar - Classical Carys Gittins Flute Konstantinos Glynos Qanun/Kanun James Goodwin Trombone Karla Grant Voice - Soprano Rudy Green Kora Simon Guémy Cello Ainsley Hamill Voice Emma Harding Flute Charlotte Hardy Flute, Voice Thomas Harvey Piano, Voice, Guitar - Acoustic Rachel Hayter Flute Todd Henkin Harmonica, Guitar - Acoustic Urska Horvat Cello Alis Huws Harp Michael Iskas Viola Charlotte Jolly Guitar - Acoustic, Bass Clarinet,Clarinet Timothy Karp Lute, Guitar - Classical, Guitar - Acoustic Saki Kato Guitar Lydia Kenny Saxophone Ellie Knott Flute Helen Lacey Voice - Soprano Charlie Law Piano, Guitar, Voice Joseph Leighton Guitar - Acoustic Edward Leung Piano Clea Llewellyn-Hurst Piano, Guitar - Acoustic, Voice Stella Marie Lorenz Piano Nicola Lyons Fiddle, Vocals Meera Maharaj Flute Camilla Marchant Piccolo, Flute SydneyGrace Mariano Violin, Violin Andrew Mellor Clarinet Inigo Mikeleiz-Berrade Accordion	Hugh Millington Guitar - Classical
	Lance Mok Piano
	Luiz Morais Classical Guitar
	Elliott Morris Guitar - Acoustic, Voice
	Aleksandra Myslek Piano
	Emily Newman Bassoon
	Miriam Nohl Viola da Gamba, Cello
	Maz O'Connor Voice, Guitar - Acoustic
	Emily Owen Voice - Soprano
	Anna Phillips Harp
	Magnus Pickering Cornet
	Daniel Pickering Trombone
	Tom Pickering Traverso, Harpsichord, Recorder
	Joe Pollard Saxophone
	Clara Pople Voice, Electronic - Loopstation
	Alice Poppleton Violin
	Aeron Preston Voice - Tenor, Organ, Piano
	Mared Pugh-Evans Harp
	Suzie Qiu Viola, Violin
	Holly Redshaw Bassoon
	Mary Reid Harp
	Patrick Rimes Violin, Viola
	Noga Ritter Voice
	Chris Roberts Guitar - Acoustic
	Mark Rogers Piano
	Hollie Rogers Voice, Guitar - Acoustic
	Jacob Rosenberg Trumpet
	Katie Sazanova Flute
	Toby Shaer Fiddle
	Amelia Shakespeare Recorder, Cornet, Flute
	Alise Silina Accordion
	Julia Solomon Voice - Mezzo-Soprano
	Joe Steele Saxophone
	Helena Svigelj Cello
	Anwen Thomas Harp
	Peter Thornton Guitar - Electric
	Akeim Toussaint Buck Voice
	Janice Tsui Piano
	Lise Vandersmissen Harp
	Alba Viana Costa Cabral Guitar - Acoustic, Voice
	Naomi Warburton Violin
	Claire Ward Voice - Soprano

Dan
Watt
Percussion
Kristiina
Watt
Voice - Soprano, Theorbo,
Lute
Henry
Webster
Fiddle
Alexander
Willett
French Horn
Karen
Wong
Piccolo, Flute
Teresa
Wrann
Recorder
Zoë
Wren
Piano, Voice, Guitar -
Acoustic
Nic
Zuppardi
Guitar - Acoustic, Guitar -
Banjo,Mandolin
Agnieszka
Zyniewicz
Viola
SOUTH WEST
Louis
Bingham
Cittern, Guitar - Acoustic
Alison
Boden
Viola, Violin
Holly
Carter
Voice, Guitar - Acoustic
Aaron
Catlow
Violin
Archie
Churchill-Moss
Accordion
Lorna
Davis
Cello
Josh
Doughty
Kora
Ali
Elmubarak
Oud
Sadie
Fleming
Voice, Guitar
Alex
Garden
Fiddle
Alexander
Gichohi
Drum Kit, Guitar - Acoustic
Simon
Gilliver
Flute, Piano
Nadine
Gingell
Voice, Guitar - Acoustic
Roland
Harrad
Guitar - Acoustic, Voice
Kit
Hawes
Mandolin, Voice, Guitar -
Acoustic
Lucy
Hewson
Viola, Violin
Natalie
Holmes
Guitar - Ukulele, Guitar -
Acoustic,Piano,Voice
Elly
Hopkins
Voice
David
Hughes
Piano, Guitar - Acoustic
Daniel
Inzani
Harp, Piano, Accordion
Danielle
Jones
Cello
Nathaniel
Jones
Violin
Jim
Jones
Voice, Drum Kit, Guitar -
Acoustic
Phil
King
Guitar - Acoustic
Anna
Ling
Guitar - Acoustic, Voice
David
Little
Piano, Guitar - Acoustic
Caelia
Lunniss
Violin
Bryony
Middleton
Piano, Oboe

Ruth
Molins
Piccolo, Flute
Servo
Mputu
Percussion, Congas, Guitar
Stuart
Oliver
Guitar - Acoustic
Jacob
Perry
Euphonium, Saxophone,
Clarinet
Polly
Phillips
Saxophone, Clarinet,
Bassoon
Sebastian
Poznansky
Cello
Harriet
Riley
Xylophone, Vibraphone,
Marimba
Alain
Rouamba
Kora, Djembe
Katy
Rowe
Violin
Jo
Silverston
Cello
Emma
Stansfeld
Violin, Viola
Kitty
Stewart
Guitar - Ukulele
Knud
Stuwe
Oud
Chris
Webb
Voice, Guitar - Acoustic
Alex
Wilson
Voice, Violin, Piano
BexX
Woodward
Guitar - Acoustic
NORTHERN IRELAND
Paddy
Anderson
Piano, Guitar - Spanish/
Flamenco
Rohan
Armstrong
Drum Kit, Guitar - Acoustic,
Double Bass
William
Brown
Voice, Guitar - Acoustic
Neil
Burns
Voice, Guitar - Acoustic,
Piano
Ellen
Campbell
Voice - Soprano
Ailbhe
Clancy
Violin
Martin
Coyle
Mandolin, Guitar, Bouzouki
Aoife
Dennedy
Cello
Deirdre
Galway
Voice, Guitar - Acoustic
Victoria
Geelan
Percussion, Voice
Meilana
Gillard
Voice, Saxophone
Jared
Green
Piano, Voice, Guitar
Ciara
Jackson
Flute
Karen
Jennings
Guitar - Ukulele, Piano,
Violin
Conor
Lamb
Uilleann Pipes
John
Leighton
Piano
Kevin
McCullagh
Fiddle
Annemarie
McGahon
Viola,Violin
Aideen
McGinn
Voice
Ryan
McGroarty
Voice,Guitar
Lorna
McLaughlin
Accordion,Piano,Voice
M U S I C I A N S L I S T I N G S

| 50

| 51

Joleen	McLaughlin	Mandolin,Piano,Harp
Louis	McTeggart	Guitar - Acoustic
Ceilin	Murphy	Violin,Voice,Piano
Rebecca	Murphy	Voice
Hannah	Murray	Voice,Trumpet
Fióna	Ní Mhearáin	Flute
Anna	Nolan	Guitar,Voice
Vourneen	Ryan	Flute
Amanda	St. John	Voice,Guitar - Acoustic
Rowan	Warner-Leicester	Guitar - Ukulele, Guitar - Acoustic
Cindy	Yung	Piano

More information on our musicians can be found on our website here

SCAN THE QR CODE TO READ MORE.

| 52

| 53

Looking Forward

As Live Music Now evolves alongside our communities, we have a taken a significant step towards a more sustainable and impactful future. Our deep regional partnerships and focus on connecting local musicians with their communities remains essential, underpinning all our work. The establishment of three core strands - Music in Health, Music in Education, and Music in Place - represents a strategic evolution that will enable us to build deeper expertise whilst maintaining our vital local connections across the three nations we serve. This new structure reflects our commitment to developing specialist knowledge and excellence in each area of our work. By moving away from a purely geographic approach to one that combines specialist expertise with local delivery, we are better positioned to respond to the complex challenges facing our communities.

Our Music in Health strand will strengthen our partnerships with the health and social care sector, whilst our Music in Education strand will deepen our role in inclusive education. The Music in Place strand will look at addressing wider determinants of health in Medway and Northern Ireland, alongside expanding our work in Heritage and place-building.

In response to the challenging economic climate and increasing operational costs, we have taken decisive action to ensure our long-term sustainability. While the difficult decision to reduce our core costs resulted in farewells to valued colleagues, it has enabled us to create a more resilient organisation better equipped to weather future challenges. This restructuring maintains our commitment to supporting regional musicians and local project delivery whilst streamlining our operational model.

Looking ahead, we recognise that the social issues we address - isolation, mental health challenges, and inequality - are likely to intensify. Our adapted business model positions us to respond effectively to these growing needs whilst ensuring our own sustainability. We are focusing on developing longer-term partnerships and leading research across the cultural, heritage, public health, and education sectors, creating collaborative solutions to endemic social issues.

Our commitment to maintaining strong local and regional partnerships remains unwavering. These relationships are fundamental to our impact and effectiveness, enabling us to deliver programmes that truly respond to local needs while benefiting from our enhanced organisational expertise. By combining deep specialist knowledge with strong local connections, we are building an organisation that can both survive and thrive in challenging times.

As we implement these changes, we remain focused on our core mission of bringing the transformative power of music to those who need it most. Through this period of evolution, we are creating a more resilient, expert, and impactful organisation that can continue to serve our communities effectively for years to come.

| 54

| 55

Funding & Fundraising

Live Music Now is deeply grateful for the generous support we receive from trusts, foundations, institutional funders, and individual donors. Many of our supporters contribute regularly, helping us cover essential running costs, launch new initiatives, provide musician training, and sustain our ongoing programmes. This year, we extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us—whether through donations in memory of loved ones,

organising fundraisers, taking on personal challenges, or giving anonymously. From funding a warm drink for an isolated older adult to sponsoring a full series of concerts for children in special schools, every contribution makes a meaningful impact. We also thank the music hubs, schools, and health and care partners who collaborate with us to bring the power of music to those who need it most. Thank you for making a difference in people’s lives.


F U N D I N G & F U N D R A I S I N G	CENTRAL Backstage Trust Big Give Trust Constance Travis Charitable Trust Daniell Trust Headley Trust John Lewis Partnership Leathersellers' Company Linbury Trust Paul Hamlyn Foundation Rank Foundation Rayne Foundation Sir Ian Stoutzker UtleyFoundation Vernon Ellis Foundation Youth Music CYMRU Arts & Business Cymru Arts Council of Wales Awen Cultural Trust Between the Trees Festival Cardiff and Vale UHB Cardiff CityCouncil Castle Dairies	Criccieth Festival
		ICF Dementia FriendlyCommunites Fund
		Isle of AngleseyCountyCouncil
		Moondance Foundation
		National Lottery- Awards for All
		National LotteryCommunityFund (People's Projects)
		Neath Port Talbot Council
		Newport Live
		North Wales International Music Festival
		PlantLife Cymru
		Simon Gibson Charitable Trust
		Swansea BayUHB
		TŷCerdd
		Volant Covid-19 Fund
		ENGLAND
		Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Charitable Foundation
		Ann Duchess of Westminster's Charity
		Arts Council England
		Boshier Hinton Foundation
		Bryan Foster Charitable Trust
		Burges Salmon Charitable Trust
		BurghleyFamilyTrust
		BurghleyFamilyTrust
		Charles & Elsie Sykes Trust

Charles & Elsie Sykes Trust CHCP Foundation Cherry Family Foundation City Bridge Foundation Clare Milne Trust

Cotton Industry War Memorial Trust

D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust David Family Foundation David Solomons Charitable Trust Devon Music Education Hub Dowager Eleanor Peel Charitable Trust Dr & Mrs A Darlington Charitable Trust Eveson Charitable Trust Fairfield Charitable Trust Garrick Charitable Trust Gibbons Family Trust Golsoncott Foundation Hays Travel Foundation Hendy Foundation Hull & East Riding Charitable Trust Ironmongers' Company J & M Britton Charitable Trust John Horseman Trust John Lyon's Charity Kathleen Beryl Sleigh Charitable Trust Kathleen Hannay Memorial Charity Keith Howard Foundation KH Foundation Lanyado Fund Leeds City Council London Community Foundation Lord & Lady Lurgan Trust Lord Cozens Hardy Trust Loudon Charitable Trust Lucille Graham Trust Maingot Charitable Trust Marjorie Green Charitable Trust Mayfield Valley Arts Trust Medway Council Millichope Foundation Millichope Foundation Mrs Pat Ripley's Charitable Trust National Lottery Community Fund

Noël Coward Foundation Norman Family Charitable Trust North Yorkshire County Council Northbrook Community Trust NYMAZ Percival Whitley Educational Trust Portal Grant Trust Rhododendron Trust

Shared Prosperity Fund Medway Singer Foundation

Sir George Martin Trust Sound Foundation Somerset SoundStorm St Hilda's Trust Sylvia & Colin Shepherd Trust Valentine Charitable Trust Veronica Awdry Charitable Trust Viscount Amory Charitable Trust Wade's Charity

Westminster Council

Whitaker Charitable Trust Whitwam Family Charitable Trust Wixamtree Trust

NORTHERN IRELAND

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Arts Council of Northern Ireland Arts and Older People Programme Arts Council of Northern Ireland Rural Engagement Arts Programme Arts Council of Northern Ireland Young People and Wellbeing Arts Programme

Arts Council of Northern Ireland Lottery Project Funding Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Black Santa Appeal

Business to Arts - Bank of Ireland Community Foundation Northern Ireland Derry City and Strabane District Council Keadue Community Grants Fund Public Health Agency Ulster Garden Villages

| 56

| 57

CONTACT US

Live Music Now 46 Montclair Drive Liverpool L18 0HB 0151 222 0018 info@livemusicnow.org.uk www.livemusicnow.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 273596 (England & Wales) Live Music Now Limited is registered in England and Wales No.1312283

livemusicnowuk

livemusicnow livemusicnowuk

live-music-now

| 58

| 59

blg)n

Trustees’ Annual Report

Live Music Now is a registered charity in England and W ales (273596).

Reference & Administrative Details of the Charity, its T rustees & Advisers:

Charity Name LIVE MUSIC NOW LIMITED (Live Music Now)

Charity Registration number 273596 (England and W ales)

Company Registration number 1312283

The trustees are pleased to submit their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements (Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011), the Memorandum and Article s of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2015) issued by the Charity Commission.

Directors and Trustees

Members of the Board of Trustees are the directors of the charitable company (‘the charity’) and are trustees for the purposes of charity law. Throughout this report members are collectively referred to as the trustees. Those serving on the date this report was approved are:

Patron HM King Charles III
• Founder President Sir Ian Stoutzker (21 January 1929 - 6 April 2024)

Sir Vernon Ellis

Mr Michael Bass (appointed October 2024)
• Ms Lisa Calmiano
Mr Edward Charlesworth (appointed October 2024)
Mrs Lowri Clement
Mr Malcolm Emery (appointed April 2023; resigned January 2024)
Dr Peter Freedman
Ms Colleen Keck
Mrs Caroline Llewellyn (resigned March 2024)
• Mr Peter McInerney (appointed October 2024)
• Mr Simon Millward
Professor Adam Ockelford
Dr Rumina Önaç (appointed October 2024)
• Lady Charlotte Tyrwhitt (resigned July 2023)
Chief Executive Officer Janet Fischer FRSA (appointed Company Secretary October 2024)
Executive Director Nina Swann (appointed Company Secretary January 2023; resigned October 2024)

Auditor Kate Taylor FCA Simpson Wreford LLP Wellesley House

Duke of Wellington Avenue Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SS

Bankers

NatWest, PO Box 1357, 169 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5BT

In addition to the main central fund banks

above, each branch has its own banking arrangements.

Structure, governanc e and Management Constitution

Live Music Now Limited (“Live Music Now”) is a charity governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association incorporated on

3 May 1977 and revised on 10 January 2006, 10 March 2008,

6 March 2012, 3 April 2017 and 7 March 2019, and is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital.

As of 31 March 2024, 7 members had guaranteed £1 each in the event of the winding up of the company.

Registered address: Live Music Now, 46 Montclair Drive, Liverpool L18 0HB

| 1

| 2

Selection of Trustees

The first trustees were appointed by a majority of the subscribers to the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Every trustee has the power to nominate another trustee who must then be approved by the trustees. The minimum number of trustees is 5 and the maximum is 20.

Induction and T raining of Trustees New trustees are recruited via an open application recruitment process or in partnership with specialist organisations. Potential new trustees are interviewed by the Chair and members of the Nominations committee before being invited to stand as candidates. Once appointed, new trustees are provided with and inducation pack which includes a copy of the Constitution, the description of trustees' roles and responsibilities, background information and internal documents relating to the principal activities of the charity.

New trustees are supported during their induction by the Chair, Chief Executive Officer, Operations Manager and relevant Branch/Strategic Director. Relevant external training opportunities for trustees are brought to the attention of trustees by the Chief Executive.

Organisational Structure

Live Music Now Limited operates on a national, regional and local level and is comprised of four English branches covering North East, North West, South West and South East England and national branches in Northern Ireland and Wales. The registered office was, until October 2021, in London where the acting Executive Director was based, and has been moved to Liverpool in line with the charity’s new strategic intent. As of the 1 April 2013, Live Music Now Scotland operates as a devolved charity registered in Scotland. Governance and finance of Live Music Now Scotland is the responsibility of the Live Music Now Scotland Board of Trustees, and the Scottish charity continues to work within the framework of Live Music Now.

Chaired by Sir Vernon Ellis, the charity’s

trustees take final responsibility for the general and financial wellbeing of the scheme.

Sir Ian Stoutzker was appointed Founder President of the charity on his retirement from the Board in 2018.

Objectives & Activities

The trustees meet at least three times a year, the AGM held not more than 15 months after the holding of the last preceding AGM to approve the independently examined accounts. The Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Director are responsible for the management and support of the team of Directors; overview of the financial position nationally, including branches; management of central tasks; development of the scheme nationally and development and coordination of national policies; reporting to the Board of Trustees on behalf of the team of Directors. The Senior Management Team (comprising of the CEO, Executive Director, National Directors and Strategic Directors) are also responsible for raising funds to support the core costs of the organisation, reporting to the Chairman and Board of Trustees.

Two Strategic Directors lead the

development of Live Music Now’s work in the areas of Adult Social Care and Healthcare, Children & Young People, and Musicians’ Development delivered through the branch network across the UK.

Each branch is run by a Director. Branch Directors are responsible for raising funds to support activities of the charity in their region, and overall financial and project management of their branch. They are supported by a network of voluntary advisors, grouped by branch into committees, chaired by the Trustee based in their region.

The Operations Manager supports the Senior Management Team and coordinates external and internal communications and information systems, and the role holder is the stated Data Protection contact. International activity across the UK

(including Scotland) is coordinated by the International Development Director who is currently also the Director of Live Music Now Scotland.

Risk Assessment

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks. This assessment is undertaken on an annual basis. The major risk to which the charity is exposed is a failure in raising sustainable core income, and the Trustees are exploring new streams of fundraising to address this. The impacts of inflation remained challenging during this year. The Senior Management Team reviewed the ongoing risks and issues monthly and the Finance and Risk Committee reviewed the ongoing risks and mitigations at each meeting. In particular:

Increase in costs due to the cost-of-living crisis, impacting on the Live Music Now’s expenditure, but also placing significant pressure on partners and musicians.
Loss in revenue due to a challenging fundraising climate.
Staff wellbeing and burnout, including in our musicians workforce. The charity continues the musicians’ wellbeing and training programme through support from the Backstage Trust, John Lewis and Arts Council England.
The lack of Unrestricted Reserve held by the charity. The organisation is supported by a letter of underwrite by the Chair but rebuilding the Unrestricted Reserve is a key priority.

Objects

The objects for which the Company is established are:

To advance the education of the public and promote their health and wellbeing, by providing high quality interactive

music performances, in particular among those members of the public who would otherwise be deprived of the benefit of performances of live music and other performing arts.

• To advance the musical education of musicians at the outset of their careers as performing artists by providing them with support, specialist training and the opportunities to perform and work in public.

In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance on public benefit and fee charging. Live Music Now relies on grants and the income from fees and charges to cover its operating costs. In setting the level of fees, charges and concessions, the trustees give careful consideration to the accessibility of Live Music Now activities for those on low incomes but balances this against the necessity to pay the musicians on our scheme a living wage, in line with the Musician Union’s guidance ‘Fair Pay for Fair Play’.

We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular,

the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

Aims

Live Music Now aims to provide high quality participatory performances and workshops in community settings, especially for those who are normally excluded from opportunities to experience live music through ill health, disability, isolation or poverty. Live Music Now activities are intended to be entertaining, educational and therapeutic; the majority of its work is delivered within projects featuring

| 3

| 4

regular music sessions and working over the medium to long term to provide lasting benefits for participants. It also provides a wide variety of paid performing experiences for exceptionally talented professional musicians. Musicians are supported through an induction and training programme to equip them with the necessary skills to act as music leaders, both during their work with Live Music Now and subsequently, in the wider profession.

In 2021, after several months of consultation internally and with partner organisations, public agencies, and communities at large, we developed an ambitious new Strategic Intent for Live Music Now. The core of our new strategic intent is the belief that Live Music Now is an organisation delivering social impact through music. We create that social impact through musicians, whom we consider to be our most valuable partners and our greatest asset. We seek to serve the ever-increasing need from communities facing social exclusion and disadvantage, both across the UK and internationally.

In summary, it includes the following:

Live Music Now aims to expand its Live Music in Care programme, working with leading care sector partners. We will ensure our work reaches those most in need and is based on the very latest neurological evidence concerning music and dementia.
Live Music Now aims to develop its programme for children with SEND and their families, through specialist support for Autism Resource Bases and the continued work on our Inspire programme.

• Live Music Now will continue to diversify and develop the musicians on its scheme. They will all receive a high standard of care from recruitment, through to induction, specialist training, mentoring and further development. We will provide an even wider range of specialist training options.

Strategies for implementation Project Delivery

Live Music Now delivers projects of local, regional and national significance through its UK branch network, targeting two priority beneficiary groups to maximise impact:

Older people (including those living with dementia)
Children & Young People (particularly those with Disabilities or additional learning needs)

In addition, Live Music Now branches respond to local need in devising specific programmes to provide access to the benefits of live music for other disadvantaged groups, such as isolated rural communities, refugees, those living with mental illness, the homeless and adults and young people in the justice system.

Live Music Now has prioritised the development of long-term, progressive projects with partners, and programmes of repeat visits with established settings, to maximise the impact of live music for our beneficiary groups.

Trustees work closely with Directors as appropriate to support and develop activity.

Trustees review summary reports of branches’ progress on a regular basis. Live Music Now branches have scope to respond to local circumstances and funding opportunities to deliver projects with the 2 beneficiary groups and develop new work.

Musicians

Musicians are recruited from a wide variety of musical genres and backgrounds, and selected through an open and inclusive recruitment process to ensure best fit. Musicians recruitment is coordinated by the Executive Director with direct support from regional Branch Directors.

Musicians joining the scheme are taken through a comprehensive induction process and offered training opportunities in order to

| 5

| 6

provide continual professional development in the area of music leadership. Training, also a significant central activity, is led by the Branch Directors, with specialist input from the Executive and Strategic Directors.

Monitoring

Live Music Now monitors its activities closely in order to be as accountable as possible, and to use feedback from musicians and participants to inform future work.

Monitoring of branches’ activity in terms of recruitment, performances/workshops delivered, musicians’ fitness for purpose, training offered and development of new projects (principally through the Annual Review process) aims to provide the organisation with an overview of activity, areas of weakness and opportunities for development.

The Strategic Directors lead on the development of new monitoring and evaluation tools to embed expertise and inform future delivery.

Policies are reviewed annually with regard to Safeguarding Children, Working with Vulnerable Adults, Cultural Diversity and Equal Opportunities, Disability/Access and Data Protection in order to work as effectively as possible with our beneficiaries.

Promoting the charity

The charity works to raise its public profile, with a view to supporting fundraising and public awareness of its activities and may from time to time employ PR consultants to assist on specific projects. A regular e-newsletter and social media communications are produced and managed centrally with additional printed materials relating to specific areas of work.

Finances

The Executive Director holds the key responsibility for coordinating and generating fundraising for central funds. Strategic Directors focus on raising development funds such as grants supporting new activity at a national level and funds for expansion of the work with the core beneficiary groups.

Branch Directors focus on raising project funds on a regional basis, coordinated via a central funding database, and in liaison with the Executive Director and the wider Director team. Quarterly budgets and financial reports, showing branch performance as well as consolidated figures, are produced for the Trustees’ monitoring purposes.

The charity fosters relationships with key partners including NHS trusts, education authorities and independent agencies in order to develop new areas of work, led by the Strategic Directors in concert with the network of Branch Directors.

| 7

| 8

Financial Review

Chairman’s statement on Reserves Policy

The accounts as presented according to the Statement of Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2015) show a consolidated position across all the charity’s activities.

The trustees have reviewed the charity’s needs for reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission. It is the policy of the charity to carry forward sufficient funds in reserve to cover any anticipated shortfall within the year over the organisation’s running costs, in excess of income. This takes into account the current level of our core support and delays or changes in receipt of grants or donations towards core costs.

In the past, we have raised substantial sums to reserves through major charitable events which have enabled us to grow and to support our core costs, which are always under review to ensure that they remain modest considering the scope of our activities, but which are essential to the success of our scheme. Whilst every effort will be made to continue this activity, in the present economic circumstances this is much more difficult. The charity now operates a full cost recovery policy, and the key priority is to restore a positive balance in the unrestricted reserve.

Reserves at the year-end within the branches’ separate General Funds will be used for project delivery in the coming year. The year-end level of unrestricted general reserves is -£60,445. Restricted reserves are

£455,455. The trustees would ideally like to build general unrestricted reserves to equate to 6 months running costs at current levels, in monetary figures this would amount to about £450,000. The trustees continue to plan to mitigate any potential risks to the charity’s finances.

Live Music Now has undertaken a redundancy and restructure process to reduce core expenditure by 15% and improve efficiency alongside implementing mandatory full cost recovery across all programmes. There has been a particular focus on unrestricted and core fundraising and work towards reducing dependence on in-year fundraising. The charity expects to return to a positive unrestricted reserve at the end of 24/25.

As in previous years, the trustees have been comfortable that the charity is a going concern despite its negative unrestricted reserves on the basis of confirmed donations into the unrestricted fund for the next financial year and ongoing support from Trustees and donors.

Principal Funding Sources

Funds are drawn from charitable trusts, public funding bodies and local authorities, private donations, corporate donors and sponsors, and payments for services from project partners.

The trustees (who are also directors of Live Music Now Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Through our social media, website, events, and other communications, we regularly tell our supporters about how their funds are making a difference through music to people’s lives. We strictly adhere to the Fundraising Regulator’s code of fundraising practice. All fundraisers representing us receive training to understand the standards we expect when representing us externally, to ensure a positive experience for everyone. We will always take action if those acting on our behalf fail to meet our high standards, and we will never sell data to anyone else without their express permission. LMN

has a procedure for handling complaints and we are committed to dealing with all complaints constructively, impartially, and promptly.

Trustees’ responsibilities

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that period. In preparing these 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 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 charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for

safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and the group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Public Benefit Statement

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit “Charities and Public Benefit”.

Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Sir Vernon Ellis

Chairman

Date: 29/01/25

| 9

| 10

INDEPENDENT A UDITO R’S REPO RT

TO TH E MEMBER S OF LIVE MU SIC NOW FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA RCH 202 4

Opinion

Basis for opinion

We have audited the financial statements of the Live Music Now (‘the charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Statement of Cashflows, Balance Sheet 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 the 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).

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 Charity 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.

In our opinion the financial statements:

Conclusions relating to going concern

give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;

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.

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

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 about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

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

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 annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 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.

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’ report (incorporating the strategic report and the directors’ report) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the trustees’ report (incorporating the strategic report and the directors’ 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 Charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Annual 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 or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us;
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns;
certain disclosures of trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not obtained all the information and explanations necessary for the purposes of our audit.

Responsibilities of the trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 10 the trustees 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 they 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 Charity’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

| 11

| 12

the trustees either intend to liquidate the Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our 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.

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.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations;
we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the computer software and support sector;
we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, including the Companies Act 2006, data protection and safeguarding;
we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and
identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.

Audit response to risks identified

We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and
considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and noncompliance with laws and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through manage -ment bias and override of controls, we:
performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;
tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;
assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates set out in Note 1 were indicative of potential bias; and
investigated the rationale behind

significant or unusual transactions.

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation and;
enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims.

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the Charityʼs trustees, 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 Charityʼs trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditorʼs 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 Charityʼs trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Kate Taylor FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Simpson Wreford LLP, Statutory Auditors and Chartered Accountants

Wellesley House Duke of Wellington Avenue Royal Arsenal London SE18 6SS

Date: 31 January 2025

| 13

| 14

STATEMENT OF FINA NCI AL A CTI VITIES INCLU DING INCOME AND EX PENDITURE ACCOUNT. FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 20 24.

BAL ANC E SHEET AT 31 MARCH 202 4

Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 377,830 783,215 1,161,045 870,356 331,735 51,680 383,415 411,196 286 - 71 - - 286 -	Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 377,830 783,215 1,161,045 870,356 331,735 51,680 383,415 411,196 286 - 71 - - 286 -	Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 377,830 783,215 1,161,045 870,356 331,735 51,680 383,415 411,196 286 - 71 - - 286 -	Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 377,830 783,215 1,161,045 870,356 331,735 51,680 383,415 411,196 286 - 71 - - 286 -
709,851 834,895 1,544,746 1,281,623
48,778 71,336 760,811 744,607 55,834 104,611 1,505,418 1,503,110
809,588 800,441		1,610,029	1,574,445
(99,737)	34,455	(65,283) -	(292,823)
(99,737)	34,455	(65,283)	(292,823)
39,292	421,000	460,292 753,115
(60,445) 455,455		395,010 460,292

All amounts relate to continuing activities within the United Kingdom.

There are no recognised gains and losses other than those included in the statement of financial activities.

The notes on pages 18 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

2024 Note £ Fixed assets 12 3,082 Current assets Debtors 13 210,285 Cash at bank and in hand 348,059 Total current assets 558,344 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 14 (166,416) Net current assets 391,928 Net assets 395,010 Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year 14 - 395,010 The funds of the charity: Restricted funds 455,455 Unrestricted income funds 16 General funds (60,445) 395,010	2023 £ 4,680 99,562 526,053
	625,615 (70,002) 555,612
	560,292 (100,000)
	460,292
	421,000 39,292
	460,292

Approved by the board of trustees on 29th January 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act relating to small companies and constitute the annual accounts required by the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).

Sir Vernon Ellis Chairman Company Number - 1312283

| 15

| 16

ST AT EMENT OF CA SH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA RCH 202 4

NOTES TO TH E FINAN CIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202 4

Notes Cash used in operating activities Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 17 Cash fows from investing activities Interest income Purchase of tangible fixed assets Loan converted to donation (Decrease)/Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year Cash provided by/(used) in investing activities Cashflows from financing activities Cash provided by/(used) infinancing activities	2024 £ (78,280) 286 - 286 (100,000) 526,053 348,059 (100,000) (177,994)	2023 £ (207,784) 71 - 71 (207,713) 733,766 526,053 - -

1 ACCO UNTI NG PO LICIES

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and in the preceding year.

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the financial Report Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015), (Charities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Companies Act 2006.

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

a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted general funds – these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.

Unrestricted designated funds – these are funds that the Trustees have designated, to support the running costs of the Charity.

Restricted funds – these are funds that can only be used for particular purposes with the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted activities.

The effects of events relating to the year ended 31 March 2024 which occurred before the date of approval of the financial statements by the Trustees has been included in the financial statements to the extent required to show a true and fair view of the state of affairs at 31 March 2024 and the results for the year ended on that date. The Live Music Now meets the definition of

| 17

| 18

NOT ES TO TH E FINAN CIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202 4 (CONTINUED…)

NOTES TO TH E FINAN CIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202 4 (CONTINUED…)

1 - A CCO UNTI NG PO LICIES

( CONTI NUE D)

Incoming resources

Incoming resources are from donations, grants, sponsorship receipts, gift aid, and bank interest and are credited gross in the year in which they are receivable. If expenditure has been incurred for which sponsorship income or similar is expected to cover it then the associated income has been accrued.

Certain fundraising events are designated to provide reserves for future recurring costs. Such income is credited to the general fund. Other minor fundraising events are carried out by the branches and the income is in the general fund.

Resources expended

All expenditure is charged in the year in which it is incurred.

Project delivery costs are the costs associated with arranging and holding a musical event other than musicians’ fees and expenses which are under performance costs.

Certain support and administration costs are allocated to project delivery costs using a set percentage. For the head office, 25% of costs are allocated in this way, whilst for other branches the percentage is 85%. Fundraising activities are an allocation of staff time, derived in the current year by the percentage of staff time spent fundraising. Rental costs are charged to the SOFA on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Tangible fixed assets

All tangible assets are stated at cost less depreciation

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:

Computer equipment 5 years straight line

Pension costs

The charity operates a personal pension plan scheme for several employees. The contributions payable for the year are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities.

Termination Benefits

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

Taxation

The company is a registered charity and therefore is not liable for income tax or corporation tax on income derived from its charitable activities, as it falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities.

Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measure at their settlement value.

1 - A CCO UNTI NG PO LICIES
( CONTI NUE D)

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliability. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash 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 account.

| 19

| 20

NOTES TO TH E FINAN CIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA RCH 202 4 (CONTINUED…)

2 - INCO ME FRO M D ONATIONS & LE GA CIES

Government & other public authorities Supporters, including corporate sponsors & general public Charitable institutions	Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ 142,467 26,095 164,668 3,244 70,695 753,876	Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ 142,467 26,095 164,668 3,244 70,695 753,876	2024 Total £ 168,562 167,912 824,571	2023 Total £ 102,866 111,274 656,215
	337,830	783,215	1,161,045	870,356

3 - INCOME FROM CHARITABLE AC TIVITIES Unrestricted Funds £ Earned income 331,735		Restricted Funds £ 51,680
			2024 2023 Total Total £ £ 286 71
4 - INCOME FROMINVESTMENTS & OTHER INCOME Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ Bank interest 286 - 286 -
	286 -		286 71

5 - RAISING FUNDS EXPENDIT URE Fundraising consultant Fundraising costs Community fundraiser Development costs
	48,778 55,834 104,611 71,336

6 - A NA LYSIS OF EXPE NDITURE ON CH ARITABLE A CTI VITIES

Musicians fees and expenses Recruitment, auditions and training Project expenses - other Project delivery costs Governance costs Administration and office costs	2024 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total £ £ £ 295,939 313,320 609,259 1,541 44,360 45,901 51,474 42,532 94,006 176,906 269,675 446,581 16,679 44,069 2,661 19,339 44,069 -	2024 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total £ £ £ 295,939 313,320 609,259 1,541 44,360 45,901 51,474 42,532 94,006 176,906 269,675 446,581 16,679 44,069 2,661 19,339 44,069 -	2024 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total £ £ £ 295,939 313,320 609,259 1,541 44,360 45,901 51,474 42,532 94,006 176,906 269,675 446,581 16,679 44,069 2,661 19,339 44,069 -	Unrestricted Funds £ 316,873 13,503 68,352 189,716 12,055 305,206	2023 Restricted Funds Total £ £ 292,998 609,871 41,663 55,166 47,041 115,393 215,702 405,418 - 12,055 -305,206	2023 Restricted Funds Total £ £ 292,998 609,871 41,663 55,166 47,041 115,393 215,702 405,418 - 12,055 -305,206
	760,811	744,607	1,505,418	905,705	597,405	1,503,110

7 - ANAL YSIS OF GOVERNAN CE COSTS Board meeting costs Accountancy fees Audit fees Independent examiners fees
			13,832 5,508 19,339 12,055
					2024 Total 2023 Total £ £ 38,076 24,406 56,788 60,418 3,063 2,384 2,667 1,752 663,535 669,646 11,443 9,174 921 2,570 1,598 1,598
8 - ANAL YSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS Rent, rates, heating & lighting Office expenses (including accountancy) Insurance Bank charges Staff Salaries and NI costs Staff expenses Sundry Depreciation Allocated director and project costs to project delivery costs Allocated development directorand community fundraiserto fundraising costs Administration and office support
					778,090 771,948
					453,188 405,418 78,641 61,324
					246,261 305,206

| 21

| 22

NOT ES TO TH E FINAN CIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202 4 (CONTINUED…)

NOTES TO TH E FINAN CIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202 4 (CONTINUED…)

9 - A NA LYSIS OF STAFF CO STS & E XPE NS ES A ND TH E CO ST O F K EY MA NA GEMENT PE RS ONNE L

Wages & Salaries Social security costs Pension costs	2024 Total 2023 Total £ £ 598,085 598,572 53,158 59,292 12,292 11,782
	663,535 669,646

The number of higher paid employees was:

In the band £60,001 to £70,000 – 1 (2022: £60,001 to £70,000 - 1).

10 - STAFF N UMBERS

- STAFF N UMBERS
Charitable activities and fundraising Management	2024 Total 2023 Total 15 14 2 3
	17 17

Staff numbers represent the full time equivalent, total headcount was 23 (2023: 22)

In addition to the normal staff the charity uses musicians on a short-term contract basis from a pool of approximately 310 approved musicians. The numbers used fluctuate according to the type of concerts provided throughout the year. Musicians are paid fees and subsistence expenses and in the year a total of £609,259 (2023: £609,871) was paid.

The key management personnel remuneration totals £130,000 (2023: £130,000).

No special retirement or leaving payments were made during the year (2023: £nil). Pension contributions totaling £12,291 (2023: £11,782) were made during the year. As at the 31 March 2024 there was £2,831 in outstanding contributions payable (2024: £2,728).

Redundancy payments totalling £44,069 have been accrued during the year (2023: £nil), all payments were made in 2024/2025 from unrestricted funds.

11 - TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

Expenses reimbursed	_2024 _	Total £ 373	_2023 _	Total £ 364

No trustees received any remuneration during the year (2023: £nil)

12 - TANGI BLE FIXE D ASSETS

Cost At 1 April 2023 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Depreciation charge At 31 March 2024 Net book values 31 March 2024 31 March 2023		Total £ 7,988 - -
		7,988
		3,308 1,598
		4,906
		3,082
		4,680
13 - DEB TORS Sundry debtors Accrued income
	210,285 99,562

14.1 - CREDIT ORS: AMOUNTS DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other creditors Accruals Taxation and social security
	166,416	70,002
		100,000
14.2 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS DUE AFTER ONE YEAR Loan	-

During the year to 31 March 2024 an interest free loan of £100,000 which was received from the Chair (The Vernon Ellis Foundation) in the year to 31 March 2020 was converted to an unrestricted donation. As at 31 March 2024 £nil was outstanding (2023: £100,000).

| 23

| 24

NOT ES TO TH E FINAN CIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202 4 (CONTINUED…)

NOTES TO TH E FINAN CIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202 4 (CONTINUED…)

15 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Carrying value of fnancial assets measured at amortised cost Carrying value of fnancial liabilities measured at amortised cost	Carrying value of fnancial assets measured at amortised cost Carrying value of fnancial liabilities measured at amortised cost	2024 Total 2023 Total £ £ 204,305 93,582 128,647 152,532 Resources expended Transfers Balance at 31 Mar 2024 £ £ £ (800,441) 455,455 (809,588) (60,445) (1,610,029) - 395,009
16- FUNDS Restricted funds General fund	Balance at 1 Apr 2023 Incoming resources £ £ 421,000 834,895 39,292 709,851
	460,292 1,544,746

£62,584 £46,788

There is a negative balance on unrestricted general funds at the year end of (£60,445). This is mostly due to the timing of redundancy payments, for the year ended 31 March 2024 total redundancy payments of £44,069 have been recognised as an accrual, whilst the planned timing of these payments is in 24/25, unrestricted funds have been raised in 24/25 to cover these payments. The charity expects to return to a positive Unrestricted Reserve at the end of 24/25.

17- RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2024 Total 2023 Total £ £ Net movement in funds (65,283) (292,823) Add back: Depreciation 1,598 1,598 Deduct: interest shown in investing activities (Increase) in debtors (110,722) (71) 48,929 (Decrease) in creditors 96,414 34,583 (78,280) (207,784) (286)

18 - CONTROLLING PARTY

The trustees of Live Music Now Limited are considered to be the controlling party of the company.

19 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year a payment of £554.68 (2023: £1,501.72) was received from Live Music Now Scotland, a charity with a number of common trustees. During the year Live Music Now also received donations on behalf of Live Music Now Scotland, totaling £450 (2023: £186), these were paid direct to Live Music Now Scotland in full.

During the year to 31 March 2020 an interest free loan of £100,000 was received from the Chair (The Vernon Ellis Foundation). In the year to 31 March 2024 this loan has been converted to an unrestricted donation.

The Vernon Ellis Foundation also made a donation in the year ended 31 March 2024 of £11,522 (2023: £1,700).

During the year total donations of £5,100 (2023: £15,057.25) were received directly from the trustees.

20 - CAPITAL

ceases to be a member, and of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves.

Live Music Now Limited is a charitable company, limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The members have agreed to contribute £1 each to the Charity’s assets in the event of it winding up, if its assets should prove insufficient to cover its liabilities, or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the company

| 25

| 26

CONTACT US

Live Music Now 46 Montclair Drive Liverpool L18 0HB 0151 222 0018 info@livemusicnow.org.uk www.livemusicnow.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 273596 (England & Wales) Live Music Now Limited is registered in England and Wales No.1312283

livemusicnowuk

livemusicnow livemusicnowuk

live-music-now

| 27

| 28

Contents

Message from the Chair of the Trustees Sir Vernon Ellis

Total Sessions 2023-24

Total Audience 2023-24

Message from the Chief Executive Janet Fischer

Music in Education

Sessions 2023-24

Reach 2023-24

MUSICAL MONDAYS

HARMONY IN THE DUNES IN SOUTH WALES

Music in Health

Total Sessions 2023-24

Impact 2023-24

MUSIC IN DEMENTIA CARE: THE BEECHES CARE HOME

BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND CONNECTION AT THE PARAMS

STAFF MEMBER

Music in Health

Community Concerts

SONGS & SCONES

BUILDING COMMUNITIES AND ALLEVIATING LONELINESS FOR THOSE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

COMFORTED BY THE COMPANY

NEWHAM COMMUNITY SONGWRITING PROJECT UNITES OLDER RESIDENTS IN A MUSICAL CELEBRATION

ALL TOGETHER NOW

CONCERTS FOR FAMILIES WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

2024 MEDWAY PARENT

MUSICIANS IN HOSPITALS

CELEBRATING NHS 75: A MILESTONE OF MUSIC AND CARE

BELFAST DAY CENTRES WITH BELFAST HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE TRUST

Music in Place

THE LEAP - CELEBRATING LIMAVADY’S HERITAGE THROUGH MUSIC

Our Musicians

Musicians 2023-24

FILKIN'S DRIFT

870 MILES – 2 MUSICIANS – 40 SHOWS

SETH BYE, FILKIN'S DRIFT

Looking Forward

Funding & Fundraising

NORTHERN IRELAND

CONTACT US

Trustees’ Annual Report

Directors and Trustees

Sir Vernon Ellis

Selection of Trustees

Organisational Structure

Objectives & Activities

Two Strategic Directors lead the

Risk Assessment

Objects

Aims

In summary, it includes the following:

Musicians

Monitoring

Promoting the charity

Finances

Financial Review

Principal Funding Sources

Trustees’ responsibilities

Public Benefit Statement

Sir Vernon Ellis

INDEPENDENT A UDITO R’S REPO RT

TO TH E MEMBER S OF LIVE MU SIC NOW FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA RCH 202 4

Opinion

Basis for opinion

Conclusions relating to going concern

Other information

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

Responsibilities of the trustees

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

Audit response to risks identified

Use of our report

1 ACCO UNTI NG PO LICIES

Company information

Basis of preparation

Going concern

Fund accounting

Incoming resources

Resources expended

Tangible fixed assets