2025-03-31-accounts

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Charity no: 273596 Company no: 01312283

Live Music Now

Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements Year Ended 31 March 2025

Live Music Now

Annual Report 2024-25

Introduction from the Chair
Introduction from the CEO
Music in Education
Music in Health
Music in Place
Live Music Now in Cymru
Live Music Now in Northern Ireland
Musicians Development
Looking forward
Funding & Fundraising
Trustees Annual Report
Financial Review
Independent Auditors Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Image Credits
Contact Us

1. Introduction from the Chair

This year marked a period of profound transition for Live Music Now. We continued to respond to growing need across education, health and community settings, while navigating significant financial and operational challenges affecting the wider charity sector. At the same time, we laid important foundations for the organisation’s future, strengthening our strategic focus and reaffirming our commitment to social impact through music.

The demand for Live Music Now’s work has never been greater. Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, our musicians have supported children with additional learning needs, people living with dementia, families experiencing isolation, and communities under sustained pressure. Music continues to offer something distinctive in these contexts: connection, dignity, expression and shared humanity. This year’s work demonstrates both the scale of that need and the depth of impact that can be achieved when music is embedded thoughtfully and inclusively.

During the year, the charity undertook a necessary organisational restructure to ensure long-term sustainability. These changes were not taken lightly. I want to recognise the professionalism, resilience and care shown by staff throughout this process, and to thank our partners and funders for their continued trust and flexibility during a challenging period. The Board remains focused on strengthening Live Music Now’s financial resilience, rebuilding unrestricted reserves, and supporting the leadership team to deliver the organisation’s strategic intent.

We were deeply saddened by the loss of our Founder President, Sir Ian Stoutzker, in April 2024. His vision — shared with Lord Yehudi Menuhin — that live music should be accessible to everyone, regardless of circumstance, continues to guide our work. Nearly five decades on, that founding principle remains as urgent and relevant as ever.

As Chair, I am immensely proud of what Live Music Now has achieved this year: the quality of the work delivered, the leadership shown across the organisation, and the integrity with which difficult decisions have been made. With a clearer structure, strong partnerships and an unwavering belief in the power of music, Live Music Now is well placed to continue delivering meaningful change in the years ahead.

Sir Vernon Ellis Chair of the Trustees

2. Introduction from CEO

This year has been one of challenge, reflection and renewed clarity for Live Music Now. Operating in an increasingly complex landscape — shaped by financial pressure, workforce strain and rising social need — we have continued to deliver high-quality music programmes while reshaping the organisation to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, Live Music Now delivered over 4,300 sessions, reaching more than 100,000 people across education, health and community settings. Behind these numbers sit deeply human stories: children finding their voice through music, families reconnecting, care staff gaining confidence, and communities coming together in ways that feel joyful, inclusive and meaningful. This is the heart of our work.

Alongside delivery, we undertook a significant organisational restructure to better align our resources with our mission. This included the introduction of clearer programme strands — Music in Education, Music in Health and Music in Place — enabling stronger strategic leadership, clearer communication with partners, and more effective national coordination. These changes have strengthened our ability to respond to need, while ensuring musicians remain at the centre of everything we do.

This year also reaffirmed the importance of partnership. Our work is only possible because of the trust placed in us by schools, healthcare providers, local authorities, community organisations and funders

across the UK. Together, we are developing models that go beyond one-off interventions, embedding music into systems, services and places where it can have lasting benefit.

I want to thank our staff team and musicians for their extraordinary commitment during a demanding year. Their care, creativity and professionalism have sustained Live Music Now through change and ensured the quality of our work never wavered. I am also grateful to our Trustees for their support, challenge and belief in the organisation’s future.

As we look ahead, Live Music Now remains focused on what matters most: delivering social impact through music, supporting musicians to thrive, and ensuring that those who are most likely to be excluded from cultural life can experience the transformative power of live music.

Janet Fischer MBE Chief Executive

Total Annual Impact

Total Sessions delivered in 2024-25: 4,302 Music in Health: 1,447 sessions Music in Education: 2,819 sessions Music in Place: 31 sessions Musicians Workforce: 5 sessions

Total Audience: 104,831 Music in Education: 84,206 Music in Health: 19,498 Music in Place: 1,127

3. Music in Education: Introduction

Disabled children and young people with additional learning needs often experience inconsistent access to music, limiting opportunities for expression, well-being and connection. Our Music in Education programme addresses this by working with schools, music services, hubs and children’s hospitals across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Through participatory concerts, creative workshops and Musicians in Residence programmes, we support personal development, emotional well-being and inclusion through live music.

This year, we delivered a total of 2,819 sessions, working across 120 venues and reaching around 84,000 children, young people and families. 85% of schools reported that student engagement in our activities exceeded expectations.

Our work supports the National Plans for Music Education in England and Wales, helping to ensure that more disabled and autistic children can access high-quality music-making and live performances.

This year our musicians delivered 324 concerts, each one adapted to suit the needs of the audience. This included 282 performances in specialist and mainstream schools, reaching around 9,000 children and 42 online Musical Monday concerts with a total audience of around 52,000. We also delivered 2,495 workshop sessions, of which around 90% were delivered as part of a creative music project or extended Musician in Residence programme with Disabled children and young people. The sessions offered opportunities to work in small groups with musicians to explore, create and perform their own music. This included Festival! project in Warrington and Halton where 100 children from six schools took part an eight-week creative project supported by Sound! Hub, culminating in performances of their own music.

We remain committed to improving inclusive music-making at a national level. Through our organisational restructure in Autumn 2024, we created a dedicated Music in Education team to lead this strategic work. Two national pilot programmes are now shaping our future direction:

Music in Autism Resource Bases (ARBs) , a three-year initiative with partners in Liverpool (Resonate), Harrow and Somerset, supports autistic students in mainstream schools. Following two years of short-term projects that improved communication, emotional regulation and engagement, the final phase launched in Autumn 2024: year-long residencies in six ARBs.
Count Me In! , launched in Spring 2024, supports group music-making for children with complex needs. Supported by the Daniell Trust, the project runs in 16 schools with a 10-week model and staff training. Our first PhD researcher, Ellen O’Brien, is studying its impact.

Training the workforce remains central to our mission. This year, 25 musicians took part in our Inspire training programme, gaining the skills needed for inclusive, accessible music-making, whilst over 100 classroom staff increased skill and confidence to lead musical activities.

Working with our partners across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, we continue to improve opportunities for all children to engage, express and thrive through music.

Count Me In – flagship programme promoting inclusive group music making

‘Pupils were ALL enabled to make sounds independently.’ (teacher)

Playing music together is known to enhance communication, social skills and musical development yet disabled students often face barriers to joining in and have fewer opportunities in music education.

Count Me In projects provide group music sessions that are accessible to all students in special schools. Songs are learnt as a group with parts tailored to the individuals’ skills and musical interests so everyone can join in.

During 2024-25, with a major grant from the Daniell Trust, Live Music Now has launched a national programme of Count Me In projects which has so far reached around 120 pupils and 50 members of staff in seven specialist schools in England. The projects have all culminated in a performance or recording, celebrating the musical community with students and staff.

“The end of project performance allowed them to demonstrate their skills in a very dignified way – it was amazing” (Staff member)

The Count Me In approach has also supported musicians to work more inclusively. As one musician described ‘It’s given me a much broader framework for how to work with participants that vary in musical ability… and allows you to really understand the participant’s musical voice.’

This year also marked the beginning of a PhD research project with Ellen O’Brien into the Count Me In approach. It will allow us to understand further how to make music more accessible and share learning with the music education sector.

Music in Autism Resource Bases (ARBs) 2024–25

In 2024–25, we entered the final year of our three-year Youth Music-funded programme to expand creative music in Autism Resource Bases (ARBs). The programme is shaping a lasting model for inclusive, child-led music in mainstream schools.

In June 2024, we convened a round-table with sector experts — including Dr Beth Pickard (University of South Wales) and Open Up Music — to reflect on progress. Their insights reinforced the importance of supporting school staff and creating environments where autistic pupils can lead, explore and express themselves through music.

In September, we launched six year-long residencies in Liverpool, Harrow and Somerset, delivered by musicians who had completed earlier pilot placements and were supported through regular

mentoring. These longer placements enabled deeper trust-building and consistent musical routines. As one musician shared, “A year allows breakthroughs you don’t see in short projects.”

Across settings, pupils showed increased confidence, communication and emotional regulation, with many initiating ideas, taking musical leadership and engaging for longer. Staff reported improved turn-taking, greater sound tolerance and pupils using music to support transitions and calm. One child reflected, “It’s taught me about being together in music… and to be kind.”

Inspire Programme – musicians’ development at Donard School, Banbridge

Inspire, our training programme for musicians, is central to delivering Live Music Now’s high-quality work in specialist schools. In Northern Ireland, musicians Cheylene Murphy and Ryan McGroarty, known for their indie-pop duo Beauty Sleep, successfully completed Inspire Level 1 and Level 2 residencies at Donard School, Banbridge during October 24 to March 2025.

Mentored by Gary Day, the training programme supported the musicians to develop specialised skills to lead engaging and impactful music sessions with children and young people with additional learning needs.

Using their unique musical approach as a starting point, Cheylene and Ryan built confidence to lead interactive sessions with the pupils, fostering communication, selfexpression, and joy through creating and performing music.

Cheylene said: “The opportunity to learn how

to work with young people with special education needs has made me view my skills in music in a whole new light.”

Teachers observed increased engagement, improved focus, and enhanced social interaction among pupils. The residency also provided invaluable professional development for the school's staff, offering new strategies and inspiration for integrating music into daily learning, thereby creating a more stimulating and inclusive educational environment.

Musician in Residence at The Hollies School, Cardiff

Musician Daisy Evans’ residency at The Hollies School has taken an integrated, whole-school approach to embedding music across the school community. The Hollies supports autistic learners aged 4–11, and Daisy’s work has shown how music can serve as a powerful foundation for learning—enhancing focus, communication, and wellbeing—while aligning with the school’s priorities and the National Plan for Music Education in Wales.

Key achievements include:

Embedding music within individual learning and wellbeing plans, ensuring every pupil engaged meaningfully in music-making
Strengthening home–school connections through parent training and collaboration with the Family Liaison Officer
Co-producing a school song exploring Cynefin (belonging) and supporting pupil transitions

Enhancing the school environment through curriculum development, creation of a sensory music space, and securing new instruments
Discovering and nurturing individual musical talent, including supporting one pupil’s successful audition for the National Open Youth Orchestra

Daisy’s residency demonstrates the transformative impact of sustained musical engagement— enhancing learning, confidence, and community connection for children with additional learning needs.

Music in Health – Introduction

Our Music in Health programme delivers impactful, evidence-based interventions across the lifecourse, tailored to the needs of individuals, communities, and settings. Active in hospitals, mental health units, care homes, Memory Cafés, and community venues across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, we transform spaces and support wellbeing and health outcomes through live music.

Our dual role – frontline delivery and working across-nations– allows us to contribute meaningfully to Creative Health strategy and practice. We are strategic partners of the Culture Health and Wellbeing Alliance, and work with the National Centre for Creative Health, and contribute to Wales Arts Health and Wellbeing Network and the Northern

Our live music sessions in 34 hospitals, including in London, Somerset and Bristol, ease anxiety, alleviate isolation, and lift mood for patients, staff, and visitors. One hospital staff member noted, “Live music makes the whole ward happier” (Sue Binding, Musgrove Park Hospital).

We support NHS integrated care priorities, including non-clinical, preventative approaches as outlined in the NHS Long-Term Plan. Our Songs & Scones events, held in 11 libraries and community spaces across Medway, Manchester, Brough & Limavady, foster social connection and reduce loneliness, particularly among older people and carers.

Our Lullaby programme, in perinatal mental health services in England and Wales, uses song writing to help new parents manage mental health challenges. Participants report improved wellbeing, stronger parent-child bonding, enhanced trust in services, and increased personal agency.

Our work to integrating music into dementia care shows significant emotional benefits and reductions in anxiety in 62 care homes and 10 memory cafes. Staff reported a rise in top mood ratings from 4% to 84%, and engagement increased by 88% (from 31 feedback questionnaire responses from 28 evens in 23 care homes). Mary Garvey (Totnes Caring) described how music helped families reconnect through shared moments. Jessica Shiel (KYN Bickley care home) observed anxious residents visibly relax during sessions.

Our approach also supports adult social care sector priorities, contributing to Care Quality Commission quality assessment criteria and workforce wellbeing and workforce development, in line with the Skills For Care Workforce Strategy. As Indira Baster (The Params Care Home) said, “The sessions lifted everyone’s mood—staff and residents alike.”

Workforce development is integral, training care staff to embed music in daily dementia care, to increase the frequency and effectiveness of music activities, with 80% reporting improved confidence and 100% reporting enhanced effectiveness (from 8 feedback questionaries from 5 care homes taking part in Live Music in Care). Sarah Withey (Dalemead Care Home) noted, “We now have the songs, instruments, and confidence to continue.”

We partnered with Sounds of Intent and the University of Roehampton on their new Take Note, a resource for non-musicians in dementia care. In Wales, we piloted song writing to support care and health workforce wellbeing, and our Open Award Badge of Excellence was extended to four wards in Leighton Hospital, Cheshire, helping staff use music to support both themselves and patients.

Through delivery, innovation, collaboration and partnerships, Music in Health builds a healthier, more connected society.

Leighton Hospital Badge of Excellence Music Residency

In partnership with Mid-Cheshire NHS Foundation Trust, Live Music Now musicians Esme Bridie and Eleanor Mills led a 10-week pilot residency at Leighton Hospital, Crewe. They delivered music sessions across Children’s, Stroke, and Chemotherapy wards, aiming to enhance patient wellbeing and support staff development.

A key objective was to build staff capacity to use music confidently in clinical settings. Musicians worked closely with staff, modelling techniques and co-delivering sessions to develop skills and confidence. As a result, five staff members achieved their Open Awards Badge of Excellence in Live Music in Care and Health—demonstrating their commitment to using music in their work.

“The best thing is learning how to engage more and more patients during therapy. We both are now confident to lead the music therapy.” Jayesh Patel, Therapy Assistant

“You are working with the staff so closely. It’s so nice to build that relationship with them because it means that when we leave the music can continue.” Esme Bridie, Musician

“Some of the staff have been working towards Badge of Excellence, which means they’re much more confident running musical activities, building it into the therapy that they do with patients. …. The legacy of the project is that the wards that we’ve worked on do have that confidence now, and I think they will continue trying to build music into the work that they do with patients.” Deborah Riding, Arts Manager, Mid-Cheshire NHS Foundation Trust

Esme, Danny & Jayesh Therapy Assistants on Stroke Ward, Danny Pepper and Jayesh Patel with musician Esme Higgins – with their Open Awards Badge of Excellence Certificates Kayliegh & Shannon Play Specialists Kayleigh Oakes and Shannon Stroud – with their Open Awards Badge of Excellence Certificates

You can watch a short video about the project here: https://vimeo.com/1079762332

Songs & Scones at Roe Valley, Limavady: Music, Connection & Community

Throughout 2024 and into early spring 2025, Live Music Now musicians brought joy, connection, and the power of live performance to the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre in Limavady through its monthly Songs & Scones concert series. Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Rural Engagement Arts Programme, the initiative was designed to reach older people at risk of isolation— offering them a welcoming space filled with music, conversation, and of course, tea and scones!

Each 90-minute session featured professional musicians performing a blend of traditional Irish folk, European songs, contemporary ballads, and acoustic jazz. Acts such as Aideen McGinn & Martin Coyle , Beauty Sleep, and The Henry Girls brought not only artistry, but genuine warmth—using music and storytelling to create meaningful moments of connection.

The series remains a highlight in the community calendar, drawing both regulars and first-time attendees. Many spoke of renewed friendships and lifted spirits. This project demonstrated the profound role live music can play in building community resilience, inclusion, and wellbeing in rural areas.

Notes for New Year: Caring for the Carers

Notes for New Year is a collaborative songwriting project supporting resilience and wellbeing among NHS and social care staff in Wales. It offers space for reflection, creative expression and practical tools for ongoing self-care at a time of continued system pressure. In 2024/25, we delivered three projects: one with staff from Hywel Dda University Health Board and two with care homes in Swansea and Flintshire.

In Hywel Dda, the programme adapted to shift patterns through one-to-one online sessions. Demand exceeded expectations, with participation doubled to 12 staff members; 11 completed the programme, resulting in 11 original songs. Survey results showed strong impact: staff feeling optimistic “often” rose from 27% to 50%, and those feeling “useful” often increased from 18% to over 60%. 80% reported the project positively influenced their ability to support patients.

At Hillside Care Home in Swansea, seven staff created and recorded their group song Hillside Family over two months. All participants completed the project, with one reflecting that they had “learnt to feel comfortable with [their] voice.”

At Marleyfield House in Flintshire, seven staff took part in their first creative wellbeing initiative for colleagues, meeting in person to compose Croeso i Marleyfield. Staff even came in on days off to rehearse, demonstrating the project’s value. The experience strengthened morale, built connection between teams working in separate buildings, and left staff feeling energised and united

through music.

“Notes for New Year brought staff together who don’t normally work alongside each other. We found ourselves practising in quiet moments on shift — starting or ending the day singing has been great for our wellbeing. We can’t wait to perform our song at our celebration concert.” Lynne, Marleyfield House

Billy Thompson and Eryl Jones with Marleyfield house staff recording their unique, collaboratively written song ‘Croeso I Marleyfield’ on site.

5. Music in Place – Introduction

Music in Place is Live Music Now’s place-based approach to strengthening communities through music. It brings together our expertise in participatory music-making with deep local partnerships, responding to the specific needs, identities and priorities of the places where we work.

Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Music in Place programmes support people across the life course — from families with additional needs to older people experiencing isolation, from veterans to new parents. These projects are rooted in long-term relationships with local authorities, cultural organisations, health and social care providers, and community groups. By working collaboratively, we ensure music is not delivered in isolation but integrated into wider networks of support.

This year, Music in Place activity focused on testing and developing sustainable models that respond to local context. In Medway, Limavady, Derry and across parts of Wales, our musicians worked alongside partners to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where people could connect, share stories and participate fully. Whether through social music events, collaborative songwriting or intergenerational projects, music acted as a catalyst for belonging, wellbeing and collective voice.

Music in Place also reflects Live Music Now’s commitment to equity and access. These programmes prioritise communities that are often underserved, geographically isolated or experiencing systemic disadvantage. By embedding music within familiar, trusted settings, we reduce barriers to participation and create opportunities for people to engage on their own terms.

As this strand continues to develop, Music in Place will play an increasingly important role in Live Music Now’s work — strengthening communities, supporting local resilience, and demonstrating how music can contribute meaningfully to place-based health, education and wellbeing strategies.

Strengthening Communities through Music: Live Music Now in Medway

Live Music Now’s place-based programme in Medway has delivered impactful, music-making activities throughout 2024, benefiting a wide range of communities across the life course. Working in close partnership with Medway Council, Medway Libraries, Citizens Advice, AgeUK Medway, Intra Arts, the Royal Engineers Museum, and grassroots groups like the Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club, we’ve supported wellbeing, tackled loneliness, and strengthened social connections.

Medway Veterans’ Social Mornings , supported by the Utley Foundation and Citizens Advice Veterans First, combined live music and hot breakfasts with tailored advice services. Veterans reported reduced isolation, increased access to support, and a stronger sense of community.

‘We have been able to speak to veterans at every event and give follow-on advice and support through appointments at our office.… As a traditionally hard to access group, there was extremely high engagement at these events. Many of them have told Citizens Advice how important it is for events such as this to be held at a regular place that they can attend.’ – Jack Lewis, Advice Services Manager, Citizens Advice Medway

The Cut of Her Cloth , a collaboration with Intra Arts, celebrated the stories of ten women leaders in Medway. Live Music Now musicians worked with local groups and care homes to co-create songs honouring each woman, empowering participants and amplifying community voices.

“Oh wow !! this is so beautiful! Such an honour and a tribute to all at MACA …. Thank you Dani and all at Live Music now for such an amazing project x” Carol Stewart, Chairperson Medway African and Caribbean Association

All Together Now delivered inclusive, familyfriendly music events for children with additional learning needs and disabilities. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Medway Council and Libraries, families described the sessions as safe, joyful spaces where all siblings could participate equally and feel understood.

“I really enjoyed it and it benefited all 3 of my children. 2 who have SEND and 1 who doesn’t. It was lovely to watch them be able to participate in something together.”

Celebrating Culture and Connection Through Live Music in Limavady and Derry

This year, Live Music Now in Northern Ireland delivered a vibrant series of music events across Limavady and Derry, bringing communities together through the power of live performance.

In Limavady, our Songs & Scones series offered monthly afternoons of live music, tea, and conversation at the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre. Designed to reduce isolation among older people, these uplifting events featured a wide range of musical styles—from traditional Irish and classical to jazz and pop—performed by talented musicians including Anna Nolan, Rohan Armstrong, Amanda St. John, and The Henry Girls.

A major highlight was the June 2024 showcase The Leap, the culmination of a two-year project celebrating Limavady’s cultural heritage. Blending storytelling, live music, and hand-drawn visuals by Peter Crann, the event featured poet Anne McMaster and performances by Réalta, Jimmy O’Hara, and young musicians from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. One audience member described the event as “very special,” praising the intergenerational spirit and celebration of Irish heritage.

In Derry, our Big Folk Big Jazz concert in March 2025 raised £11,235 for The Big Give campaign, thanks to standout performances by Martin Coyle, Aideen McGinn, Neil Burns, and Victoria Geelan. We look forward to continuing our work in Limavady and Derry, building on these strong community partnerships through music.

Lullaby in South Wales: Supporting New Parents Through Music and Connection

Since 2021, Live Music Now Cymru has worked with health boards, social care providers and charities to deliver Lullaby, supporting new parents’ mental health through music-making, reflection and songwriting. Praised by Public Health Wales, the programme contributes to the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, including a healthier Wales, cohesive communities and a thriving Welsh language.

In 2023, Lullaby secured £69,975 through ITV Cymru and the National Lottery Community Fund’s The People’s Project, enabling five projects in 2024. Forty families created 34 original lullabies — a 97% completion rate.

An external evaluation by PRD (October 2024) found significant benefits for parents, babies, health professionals and musicians. Four projects reported high demand for perinatal mental health support, with one parent saying the programme gave her confidence to visit a doctor. Staff wellbeing also improved: 100% of Tonna Mother and Baby Unit staff felt more cheerful, confident and energised after sessions.

“One of the staff members was first to cry… she couldn’t get over the words the participant had written.” — Musician

“He achieves more in physio when listening to his song — it reassures and soothes him.” — Paediatric Physiotherapist

PRD recommends embedding Lullaby into wider care pathways, noting its accessible format strengthens engagement with services.

“One of the staff members was first to cry – she hadn’t seen a session in action before and couldn’t get over the words [the participant] had written.” Musician, Lullaby at Tonna Mother and Baby Unit

One family’s experience shows a long-term benefit, ongoing long after the Lullaby intervention delivery had finished:

“...we use his song during most physio sessions (mum uses it daily on her phone) as it is so calming for him. Physio is quite challenging for this little one …but [he] is able to achieve more when listening to his song, as he finds it reassuring and soothing.”

— Paediatric Physiotherapist

PRD recommends embedding Lullaby into wider place-based care programmes, noting its sessionbased design helps reduce barriers and complements existing services.

Live Music Now in England

Strengthening Music for Learning, Health and Communities Across England

Across England, Live Music Now delivered over 3,589 sessions, engaging schools, care settings, hospitals and community venues through performances, workshops and residencies. Rooted in musical excellence, inclusion, and partnership, our new “Strand” structure - Music in Health, Music in

Education, and Music in Place - enables more strategic delivery and clearer communication with partners across the country.

This year brought significant change to England’s music education landscape. In May 2024, Arts Council England introduced a new generation of 43 Music Education Hubs, replacing the previous 116. These hubs are tasked with delivering the National Plan for Music Education (NPME), with a strong emphasis on inclusion. Over the same period, national attention has grown around the "SEND crisis," highlighting rising numbers of children with additional learning needs and the increasing pressure on schools and local councils.

Live Music Now is working with many of the new Hubs to help meet these challenges, supporting the NPME focus on inclusion, making music accessible to all. Through our programme in Autism Resource Bases, we are seeing the positive impact of music on both mental health and learning. Programmes like Inspire and Count Me In are building the capacity of education and music professionals to meet growing demand in specialist education. Our Musical Mondays online concerts provide Hubs with an affordable way to bring joyful music experiences to large groups of primary and special school pupils.

In our Health programme, we respond to urgent national challenges including mental health, social isolation, overstretched services, and unequal access to care. Our work shows that live music can be a powerful, person-centred tool for addressing these needs.

In Medway, we supported veterans facing isolation by combining music with access to specialist advice. In libraries, dementia cafes and care homes across the country (incl. learning disability settings in Purley), participatory music reduced loneliness and improved emotional wellbeing. In hospital settings including at Leighton Hospital, our residencies helped staff integrate music into care practices, enhancing both patient engagement and long-term clinical capacity.

In Essex, we established a new Lullaby programme aiming to improve maternal and child health and wellbeing during the critical perinatal period.

These outcomes align with the NHS Long Term Plan, which emphasises prevention, community engagement, and integrated care. Live Music Now’s work not only boosts wellbeing but also supports health equity, staff resilience, and sustainable cultural change in care environments.

Guided by research, lived experience, and national policy priorities, we place musicians where they can make the greatest impact—whether that’s supporting inclusive education or enhancing care. Our work remains relevant and sustainable, grounded in the belief that live music should be accessible to all.

Music in Education: Music Masters Partnership

Our first collaboration with Music Masters combined Live Music Now’s expertise in music-making with autistic learners and Music Masters’ strength in inclusive classroom musicianship to pilot a new music programme in an Autism Resource Base at Prior Weston Primary School.

This project sits within Live Music Now’s national initiative to support music-making in Autism Resource Bases (ARBs) , developing sustainable models that can be shared across England and Wales. It was generously supported by the Vernon Ellis Foundation, enabling musicians and educators to work closely with pupils and staff over two terms.

Working together, Live Music Now and Music Masters explored how specialist and classroom-based approaches can complement one another to enrich learning for autistic children. Live Music Now Emma and Music Masters Emerging Educator Poppy worked weekly with 11 pupils , offering smallgroup and one-to-one sessions that built communication, confidence and emotional regulation through music.

Sessions blended sensory play, movement, play-based composition and familiar routines, helping children feel safe, curious and expressive.

“We tried lots of different things until we found the right approach for each group,” said Emma. “Seeing a pupil who once refused to take part now leading the group — those are the moments that stay with you.”

Approaches were refined week by week based on pupil responses and staff input.

“Trial and error, reflection, adapting each week… it was amazing to see children go from avoiding turns to volunteering with excitement,” said Poppy. “They knew the routines, they anticipated the songs, and they grew in confidence.”

Teachers noted improvements in attention, communication and confidence beyond music sessions:

“They’ve made huge progress this year, and I think the music’s got a big part to do with that,” shared class teacher Jess. “Turn-taking, joining in, trying new things — we’re seeing it in other lessons too.”

One pupil who initially relied on ear defenders now participates comfortably; another created his own “drum kit” and led group music-making. Staff confidence also grew, with singing and musical cues now used regularly throughout the day: “Singing has become a daily thing — it’s part of our toolkit.”

This successful pilot has provided a model for collaborative delivery in ARBs. Over the coming year, we will explore further partnership opportunities with Music Masters , including professional development, shared learning for educators, and potential expansion to additional schools, ensuring more autistic pupils benefit from inclusive, creative musical environments.

Music in Health: Medway Veterans' Social Mornings – Combating Isolation Through Music and Support

In 2024, Live Music Now, in collaboration with Medway Citizens Advice Veterans First and funded by The Utley Foundation, launched a pilot initiative aimed at addressing isolation among veterans in Medway, Kent. The primary goal was to foster social connections and provide access to essential support services through engaging musical events.

The project sought to:

Alleviate loneliness among Medway's veteran community.
Facilitate access to specialist advice on housing, debt, and benefits.
Improve the mental health and wellbeing of the local veteran community.
Create a welcoming environment for veterans to connect and share experiences.

Following community consultations and partnership development, three participatory music events were organised at The Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham during spring/summer 2024. Led by local musician Gavin Alexander, these sessions offered live music performances, refreshments, opportunities for social interaction, and on-site support from Citizens Advice representatives.

The initiative yielded significant positive outcomes:

Veterans reported enhanced social connections and a renewed sense of community.
Participants expressed increased self-esteem and wellbeing.
Attendees became more aware of, and accessed, specialist advice services.

Feedback highlighted the unique value of these events in veterans' social calendars, with many expressing a desire for regular gatherings. Citizens Advice noted high engagement levels, successfully reaching a traditionally hard-to-access group.

‘Often veterans who are lonely and isolated are the least likely group of people to come forward and ask for help’ – Sarah, Help for Heroes Project Manager

‘We have been able to speak to veterans at every event and give follow-on advice and support through appointments at our office. it has made us more aware of local veterans and the networks and events they attend. We are also more aware of their needs and gaps in support in the community. As a traditionally hard to access group, there was extremely high engagement at these events. Many of them have told Citizens Advice how important it is for events such as this to be held at a regular place that they can attend.’ – Jack Lewis, Advice Services Manager at Citizens Advice Medway

The Medway Veterans' Social Mornings project effectively combined live music with essential support services, addressing both emotional and practical needs of veterans. The success of this pilot underscores the potential for similar initiatives to foster community, enhance wellbeing, and provide critical support to underserved populations.

Photo: Medway Veterans’ Social Mornings at The Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, on Tuesday 18th June 2024 Musician: Gavin Alexander Photographer credit: Rikard Osterlund

Music in Place: All Together Now, Medway

The second series of the All Together Now programme in Medway. We continued to test, challenge and develop the programme, to suit this area’s hard to reach audience and the towns geography. Working in collaboration with Medway Libraries, Danecourt School, and other local service providers, 8 concerts were produced across 2 venues; 226 bookings were made, with 182 actual attendees.

“… it was so refreshing to see my child enjoy the performance and she wasn't masking, she was being herself. She was also very regulated for the rest of the day.”

“I enjoyed seeing my children having such a positive experience and I felt relaxed being part of a group with other children with additional needs.”

“My youngest daughter really got into the music. She was joining in and dancing enthusiastically - often in group activities she doesn't want to participate or her attention isn't held so it was lovely to see her really enjoying herself.” Parents feedback 2025

The 2024-25 programme further established Live Music Now’s relationship in Medway’s parent community for families with children with additional needs and/or disabilities.

There is a confident road map and programme plan for future editions in Medway and a strong demand from the community for a long-term project delivery.

6. Live Music Now in Cymru

Live Music Now Cymru delivers evidence-based music programmes supporting individual and community health across Wales and with all age ranges. From one-off concerts to multi-year residencies, our programmes align with the Social Services and Wellbeing Act, Healthier Wales Policy, and the Health and Wellbeing Wales Act as well as meeting objectives within the National Plan for Music Education.

In 2024–25, projects ran across North, South, East, and West Wales, delivered in partnership 100% of the time with trusted community and statutory organisations. Amid ongoing budget pressures, our work increasingly supports staff resilience within host organisations in addition to the impacts made on project participants. Through in-session modelling, resource provision and formal accredited

training, we leave partners with tools to foster sustainable music practices and knowledge long after our last note has been played.

In direct response to systemic pressures, decreasing wellbeing figures (particularly for new parents) and increasing child poverty rates in Wales, many of our programmes have focused on using music as a tool for strengthening participant voice, resilience and agency. Project outcomes align with the 5 principles of health and social care in Wales, which emphasise voice and control, prevention and early intervention, wellbeing, coproduction, multi agency collaboration and integrated care. Live Music Now’s work improves immediate wellbeing but also supports health equity, staff resilience, and sustainable cultural change in care environments.

This year’s highlights include:

Record, Release, a collaborative songwriting project at Maple forensic unit. This programme was the first time an externally provided activity has taken place on this locked ward in Cardiff and Vale Health Board (Llandough Hospital)
Notes for New Year, a staff wellbeing project in Hywel Dda Health Board and care homes in Swansea and Flintshire
The Lullaby intervention and Music in Hospitals in partnership with Swansea Bay Health Board, BBC NOW, WNO, and RWCMD
Education projects including a third-year Musician in Residence at The Hollies Special School and the bilingual Musical Mondays concert series with National Music Service colleagues

Music in Education: Musical Mondays

In partnership with Powys’ Schools Service, Live Music Now Cymru delivered online concerts to 38 schools, reaching 2,315 children across the county. At a time of reduced arts funding, the Musical Mondays model brings high-quality live music to all primary-aged pupils across Powys’ 2,000 square miles, aligning with both the Well-being of Future Generations Act and the National Plan for Music Education.

Interactive elements — including clapping, singing and Q&As — introduced children to a range of instruments and supported key priorities: First Experiences, Live Music, Music Tuition and Making Music with Others.

“Working with Live Music Now Cymru has brought lively, engaging and bilingual concerts to every primary school in Powys. Over 1,000 pupils at a time have enjoyed excellent performances and learned from speaking directly with musicians about their careers and inspiration. The sessions link strongly with the Curriculum for Wales — not only in music and expressive arts, but also history, cynefin and science. We look forward to continuing this partnership next year.” Lynsey McCrohon, Strategic Lead for Music and Expressive Arts, Powys Schools Service

Music in Health: Creating Connection and Wellbeing Through Collaborative Songwriting

Collaborative songwriting programmes have become an important foundation of the Live Music Now Cymru offering. These pan age, pan Cymru projects are heavily invested in because of consistently high impact shown for individual participants, health and social care teams hosting projects, wider community and families of participants as well as Live Music Now musicians.

Our frameworks have been developed in tandem with research partners Liverpool John Moore’s University and this year five Lullaby interventions have been externally evaluated by PRD.

This year, we have delivered 9 collaborative songwriting projects across North, South and West Wales with participant ages ranging from 2 months to 80 years old. Delivery partners have included Hywel Dda Health Board, Cardiff and Vale Health Board, Flying Start across Wales, Local Authorities, care and residential settings and charitable organisations such as Jig so and Mind Cymru.

Live Music Now collaborative songwriting interventions span months, culminating in a highdefinition recording and celebratory sharing event of new compositions. Impact includes: increasing positive perception of own skills (including those as a parent for Lullaby intervention participants), fostering better and more appropriate engagement with health and community services (including advocating for own healthcare), infant development, increased ability to deal with life’s challenges, reduced social isolation and immediate mental health benefits.

'Having one patient say ‘I’ve written a song’, another say ‘I’m gonna be a music producer’. It’s incredibly valuable. Patients initiating feedback. This is a significant change. Often this can be incredibly trying and vague. To tell a responsible clinician who is essentially responsible for your life, I’ve written a song and I’m going to meet up with (Occupational Therapist) and play the guitar, it’s advocating for yourself and your healthcare.' Occupational Therapist, Llandough Hospital

Live Music Now continues to be a delivery partner for the Carnegie Hall instigated global perinatal mental health intervention ‘Lullaby’, this year hitting our 31st lullaby project delivery in Wales. We deliver these with partners deeply embedded in communities online, in person or as hybrid models and have developed a Volunteer Ambassador programme of parents who have experienced the mental health benefits of this intervention first hand.

Music in Place: Supporting perinatal mental health in South Wales through Lullaby

Since 2021, Live Music Now Cymru has worked with health boards, social service providers and charities to deliver the Lullaby intervention, supporting new parents’ mental health through developing music, self reflection and composition skills. The Live Music Now Lullaby programme has been praised by Public Health Wales for its positive impact on participants.

In 2023, Lullaby won public voting support through ITV Cymru and the National Lottery Community Fund’s The People’s Project, securing £69,975 to deliver 5 projects this year. This funding enabled 40 more families in South Wales to take part in the Lullaby intervention and supported independent evaluation by PRD.

34 unique lullabies were created by new parents through the People’s Project, a 97% success rate for participants who joined. Listen here.

This programme contributes to these aims of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act;

A prosperous Wales
A healthier Wales
A more resilient Wales
A Wales of cohesive communities
A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language

During four out of the five People’s funded projects, participants highlighted a need for perinatal mental health support. One parent reported that the Live Music Now Lullaby intervention gave her the confidence to visit a doctor. Health professionals adopted an ‘any door is an open door’ approach, using the musical programme to strengthen access to support and appropriate use of support services responding to individual need.

These projects had a positive impact on the ability for social care and supporting staff to build relationships with participants as well as boosting the wellbeing of supporting staff themselves. 100% of staff members at the Tonna Mother and Baby Unit ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that supporting the workshops made them feel more ‘cheerful, optimistic, confident, energised, and good about themselves’ when responding to a ward staff wellbeing feedback form.

“One of the staff members was first to cry – she hadn’t seen a session in action before and couldn’t get over the words [the participant] had written.”

Musician, Lullaby at Tonna MBU

PRD recommends embedding Lullaby within wider place based care programmes, noting its sessionbased design helps reduce barriers and complements existing services.

One family’s experience shows a long-term benefit, ongoing long after the Lullaby intervention delivery had finished:

“...we use his song during most physio sessions (mum uses it daily on her phone) as it is so calming for him. Physio is quite challenging for this little one, who finds movement and sensory processing difficult and a little overwhelming, but is able to achieve more when listening to his song, as he finds it reassuring and soothing.” — Paediatric Physiotherapist

Bilingual music-making across Wales, supporting Cymraeg 2050 and cultural belonging.

Live Music Now deliver programmes pan age range, across Cymru and often with people who would not otherwise have access to music and creative health interventions. This broad reach gives us an opportunity and responsibility to contribute to the Cymraeg 2050 targets; one million Welsh speakers by 2050 and increasing the number of people speaking Welsh daily in Wales.

This year all early years sessions and Lullaby interventions have been delivered fully bi-lingually or featuring group singing of Welsh language songs, ensuring infants and parents have access to the Welsh language whether they are hearing it at home, in school, in communities and workplaces, or not.

Capitalising on the momentum and appetite for Welsh language provision after the 2024 Pontypridd Eisteddfod, this year we partnered with Awen for a dementia friendly bi-lingual series ‘Be Hear Now’ in newly opened community asset, The Muni.

Through our Musical Mondays live stream series, partnered with Powys Music Service, we’ve brought another exciting mix of lively, engaging bilingual Welsh concerts to all primary schools across Powys. Feedback from the schools has shown that many elements of the New Curriculum for Wales have been covered including music and expressive arts, history, cynefin and science too.

Internally, we’ve provided 156 hours sponsored time for staff to attend Welsh language courses, with thanks to Arts Council Wales for course provision.

7. Live Music Now in Northern Ireland

Over the past year, Live Music Now in Northern Ireland has significantly expanded its reach and impact, fostering community engagement and supporting the professional development of musicians. We have delivered 377 sessions reaching over 3,100 people experiencing social isolation or difficult circumstances, from Limavady to Banbridge and Strabane to Ballymena.

Throughout the year we delivered a number of highly successful projects including a mental health and wellbeing programme in Ashfield Boys School, we introduced 1200 children and young people to the magic jazz music as part of the City of Derry Jazz Festival 2024 and we saw the continuation of the Forget me Notes singing group in Newtonabbey for people living with dementia and their carers.

In Spring 2024, we welcomed 16 new artists from diverse genres—including jazz, classical, Irish trad, and pop—through an inclusive recruitment process that attracted a record 70 applicants. Musicians included trad cross-over trio The Henry Girls; jazz duos Anna Nolan and Rohan Armstrong, and Victoria Geelan and Neil Burns; singer-songwriter Jared Green, classical quartet Glas Quartet, pop duo Beauty Sleep and folk duo Aidenn McGinn and Martin Coyle. These musicians have since delivered performances in special schools, health settings, and community venues, enriching the lives of various audiences.

We were proud to secure a second year of support through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Annual Funding Programme (AFP) — a significant step in our mission to ensure access to high-quality live music for people across the region. AFP investment enables us to deliver programmes that support musicians’ development, inclusive music-making for children and young people, community engagement, and improved wellbeing in health and care settings.

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music and Opera at Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented:

‘The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support Live Music Now. Thanks to National Lottery players, sixteen Northern Irish musicians will be taking part in Live Music Now’s impressive outreach and development programme which creates access to high-quality music making, helping to bring great art to all. Not only do the programme participants benefit but the musicians themselves also reap rewards by receiving specialist training and mentoring, thus developing their professional careers through the learning of new skills. Well done to all involved.’

We are deeply grateful to ACNI for recognising our work and look forward to continuing to enrich lives across Northern Ireland through music.

Music in Education: Sound Minds - supporting mental wellbeing through music at Ashfield Boy’s High School, Belfast

During May – December 2024, we delivered a music-based wellbeing programme at Ashfield Boys’ High School, Belfast, supported by the National Lottery Young People & Wellbeing Arts Programme, funded through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The project responded to alarming youth mental health statistics, including a 2023 survey showing 45.2% of 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland experience probable mental ill-health.

Weekly creative music sessions were delivered to 23 boys aged 11–15 from the school’s Autism Specific Centre by Dancing Embers - Ciara Jackson (flute/voice) and Rowan Warner Leicester (guitar/drums). Activities included creative improvisation, group jamming, and relaxation techniques, culminating in showcase performances by 18 students. 71% of participants reported a positive impact on their mental health.

The inclusive, student-led approach fostered self-esteem, expression of emotions, and friendships, with students gaining the confidence to perform live. Staff observed improved engagement and behaviour, and parents reported positive changes at home.

The wider school community benefited through 18 short concerts (reaching 600 students), two staff ‘sound bath’ sessions, and CPD training in using accessible music technology for wellbeing. This pilot highlights the transformative potential of group music-making in supporting autistic young people’s wellbeing and lays the foundation for future programmes in specialist autism settings across Northern Ireland.

Music in Health: Music for Dementia - supporting wellbeing in Belfast Care Homes

A pilot project, Music for Dementia, funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Public Health Agency, brought live music to more than 80 people living with dementia. Delivered by the duo AMPlify (Hannah Murray and William Brown) in partnership with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, the 24-week programme offered participatory concerts and calming ambient music sessions across three day centres.

Evaluation evidence demonstrated significant positive impact. 95% of participants showed improved mood during and after sessions, expressed through singing, smiling, movement and increased eye contact. Staff reported reduced anxiety, smoother transitions between activities, and greater engagement from individuals who are often withdrawn.

Musicians tailored each session to individual needs — choosing familiar songs, responding to body language, and creating sensory soundscapes to encourage connection. The programme helped participants with speech and memory difficulties to communicate through rhythm, gesture and vocalisation.

The success of the pilot has led to further investment in dementia-related music programmes, strengthening awareness of music’s role in health and social care settings across Northern Ireland.

“One usually very anxious service user sang a full song — confidently. His mood lifted for the rest of the day.” Carlisle Day Centre Staff

Music in Place: Supporting music and culture in Limavady

In recent years, Live Music Now Northern Ireland has been active in Limavady, supporting local music and culture. This year, we continued that work with a vibrant programme of community activity.

At the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, our Songs & Scones series continued to bring live music, tea and conversation to older residents, offering moments of joy, connection and belonging. Monthly performances featured traditional, classical, jazz and pop artists including Anna Nolan, Rohan Armstrong, Amanda St John and The Henry Girls, helping reduce isolation and strengthen community ties.

A major artistic highlight was the premiere of The Leap , the culmination of a two-year Live Music Now project celebrating Limavady’s heritage and creative voice. The Arts Centre was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of art, poetry and music as a full audience experienced the unveiling of the handcrafted Crankie Box by visual artist Peter Crann, accompanied by a powerful live reading by poet Anne McMaster. Performances from traditional Irish band Réalta and young musicians from Jimmy O’Hara and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann showcased the richness of local talent across generations.

“Seeing young musicians playing alongside experienced performers filled me with pride in our rich cultural heritage.” — Audience member

Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Rural Engagement Arts Programme , The Leap affirmed Limavady’s place as a vibrant cultural hub — strengthening intergenerational cultural connection and leaving a lasting impression on audiences and artists alike.

Musician’s Spotlight: Cheylene Murphy

Cheylene Murphy, member of the indie-pop duo Beauty Sleep, joined Live Music Now in Spring 2024 as part of a new cohort of sixteen musicians in Northern Ireland. Reflecting on her experience to date, her journey exemplifies the programme's transformative impact for musicians:

“Working with Live Music Now has really allowed me to upskill within my field. The opportunity to perform live in many different settings plus the training on how to engage a wide range of audiences has been extremely beneficial to my practice as a musician. It has given me a lot, as an artist, as a performer, as a freelancer - I'm so happy to be a part of the Live Music Now team. It has been profoundly meaningful to be a part of Live Music Now and made me view my skills in music in a whole new light.”

8. Musicians Development

“Live Music Now has opened doors I didn’t know existed. I’ve grown so much — not just as a performer, but as someone who can connect, support and create with people in ways that feel meaningful and human.”

At the heart of our work are the musicians who bring live music to children, families and communities every day. We work with exceptional performers across genres, supporting them to grow as artists, facilitators and socially engaged practitioners. Through training, mentoring and hands-on experience in schools, hospitals and community settings, musicians build confidence, creative flexibility and inclusive practice — skills that underpin sustainable, impactful careers.

This year, we welcomed 24 new musicians in Northern Ireland and East Anglia and continued to strengthen our network through induction, Inspire training and mentored performances. Our annual survey deepened understanding of musicians’ lived experience and motivations, helping us shape more inclusive routes into community-focused music careers.

What musicians told us

They feel more confident leading creative sessions in specialist and community settings
• Training deepened their inclusive practice and ability to adapt for diverse participants
Mentoring and peer support strengthened artistic identity and future career pathways

Inspire: Developing Music Leaders for Inclusive Education

Our Inspire pathway supports musicians to become confident, inclusive music practitioners equipped to work creatively with children with additional needs. Structured training, mentoring and supported placements in specialist schools build the sensitivity, imagination and communication skills needed to use music to support learning and wellbeing.

Thanks to dedicated funders, musicians progress from mentored introductory projects to independent delivery, and for some, year-long residencies — developing reflective practice, resilience and leadership in inclusive music-making.

In South Yorkshire, support from the Mayfield Valley Arts Trust continues to nurture emerging leaders. Clarinetist Jessica Tomlinson, after leading her first Inspire project at Greenacre School in Barnsley, reflected:

“Mentoring musicians has allowed me to reflect on my own practice… really loved it.”

Harpist Ruth Lee undertook an eight-week placement at Sheffield Children’s Hospital School, using our Minds Matter resources to support 1:1 sessions with pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Staff shared: “Ruth was a wonderful facilitator, and her harp worked really well in sensitive areas.”

In London, funding from the John Lyons Charity enabled us to induct new musicians — including guest artists through Inner Vision and the Baluji Foundation — and support progression through Inspire. This year, ten musicians completed Level 1, six moved to Level 2, and two reached Level 3.

As Inspire Level 2 musician Chris Roberts shared: “Working long-term and building relationships with students has given us such a boost in skills and confidence.”

Minds Matter: Training Resource for Music in Children’s Healthcare

In September 2024, we were proud to support the launch of Minds Matter, a training toolkit developed with the Arts for Health programme at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to strengthen music practice in paediatric healthcare settings.

The resource draws on learning from our 10-year Youth Music-funded partnership with Alder Hey, which has supported Live Music Now musicians to develop their skills in using music to enhance emotional wellbeing, recovery and resilience for young patients.

Created by cellist Georgina Aasgaard — a Live Music Now alumna and long-standing Musician in Residence at Alder Hey — the toolkit reflects deep frontline experience supporting children and young people through music, alongside insights from Live Music Now musicians who have taken part in the programme.

At its heart is Georgina’s “scale of approaches in C” — Connection, Child-led practice, Creativity, Commitment and Care — a stepped framework that helps musicians listen first, respond gently and move at the child’s pace, from quiet musical presence to creative co-music-making.

The toolkit is supporting Live Music Now musicians’ practice across the UK and has been shared with colleagues across the music and health sector.

9. Looking Forward

Looking ahead, Live Music Now enters the next year with renewed focus and a clear sense of purpose. The changes made during 2024–25 — organisationally, strategically and financially — provide a stronger platform from which to grow impact responsibly and sustainably.

Our priorities are clear. We will continue to deepen our work across Music in Education, Music in Health and Music in Place, focusing on long-term partnerships and evidence-based practice. We will strengthen our contribution to national conversations around inclusive education, creative health and place-based wellbeing, ensuring our learning is shared and our impact understood.

Rebuilding unrestricted reserves and diversifying income remain critical. Alongside this, we will continue to support staff wellbeing, invest in musicians’ development, and embed full cost recovery across programmes. These are essential steps in ensuring Live Music Now can meet rising demand without compromising quality or care.

We will also continue to evolve our place-based work, responding to community priorities and supporting models that embed music into local systems — from healthcare and education to libraries, cultural venues and community spaces.

Above all, Live Music Now will remain guided by its founding belief: that live music can change lives. In a time of uncertainty and pressure, music offers connection, dignity and hope. Our task is to ensure that its benefits are accessible to all.

10. Funding & Fundraising

During 2024–25, Live Music Now operated in a challenging fundraising environment, marked by increased competition for funding, rising costs and ongoing uncertainty across the charity sector. Despite these pressures, we continued to secure support from a broad range of funders, enabling the delivery of high-quality programmes across education, health and community settings.

Our income was drawn from charitable trusts and foundations, public funding bodies, local authorities, corporate supporters, individual donors and payments for services from project partners. This mixed funding model remains essential to sustaining our work and responding flexibly to local need.

Throughout the year, we placed increased emphasis on full cost recovery, core fundraising and strengthening unrestricted income. Alongside this, we focused on building longer-term partnerships with funders who share our commitment to social impact, inclusion and evidence-based practice. These relationships are central to developing programmes that move beyond short-term delivery towards lasting change.

Looking ahead, our fundraising priorities include rebuilding unrestricted reserves, reducing reliance on in-year fundraising, and continuing to diversify income streams across the UK. We are committed to transparency, good stewardship and demonstrating the value of every pound invested in Live Music Now’s work.

We are deeply grateful to all our funders and supporters for their trust and generosity. Their continued investment enables us to bring live music to those who would otherwise be least likely to experience it — and to ensure that music remains a powerful force for connection, wellbeing and social change.

Funder List

Alice Ellen Cooper-Dean Charitable Foundation Loudon Charitable Trust AMP Music Lucille Graham Trust Arts Council England Maingot Trust Arts Council of Northern Ireland McClay Dementia Trust Arts Council of Wales Medicash Charitable Trust Belfast Cathedral Black Santa Medway Council Big Give Trust Millichope Foundation Boris Karloff Charitable Trust Mayfield Valley Arts Trust Boshier Hinton Foundation National Centre for Creative Health Britford Bridge Trust Neath Port Talbot Council Bryan Foster Charitable Trust Noel Coward Foundation Burghley Family Trust Northbrook Community Trust Cherry Family Foundation Paragon Charity Foundation Clare Milne Trust Pat Ripley Trust Community Foundation Wales PH Holt Foundation Constance Travis Charitable Trust Purley Downs Golf Club Daniell Trust Rank Foundation David Solomons Charitable Trust Rayne Foundation Dorothy Bayles Trust Singer Foundation Drapers Charitable Fund Sir George Martin Trust Essex County Council Public Health Accelerator Bid Sir James Knott Trust programme Sound Foundation Somerset Fairfield Charitable Trust SoundStorm Music Education Agency Garrick Charitable Trust Totnes Caring Gibbons Family Trust UK Shared Prosperity Fund Grantscape Utley Foundation Hadrian Trust Valentine Charitable Trust Herbert & Stefanie Straus Memorial Trust Vernon Ellis Foundation The Ironmongers' Company Veronica Awdry Charitable Trust John Horseman Trust Viscount Amory's Charitable Trust John Lewis Partnership Foundation Volant Fund John Lyon's Charity Wade's Charity Kathleen Hannay Memorial Trust W G Edwards Charity Leathersellers' Company Westminster City Council Linbury Trust Whitaker Charitable Trust Lord Cozens Hardy Trust Whitwam Family Charitable Trust

Wimbledon Foundation Community Fund Wixamtree Trust

Wynn Foundation York Common Good Foundation

11. Trustees Annual Report

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

Reference & Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees & Advisers: Charity Name LIVE MUSIC NOW LIMITED (Live Music Now) Charity Registration number 273596 (England and Wales) Company Registration number 1312283 Registered address: Live Music Now, 337-341 High Street, Rochester England, ME1 1DA

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 Articles 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 • Dr Peter Freedman • Ms Colleen Keck (resigned July 2025) • Mr Peter McInerney (appointed October 2024) • Mr Simon Millward • Professor Adam Ockelford • Dr Rumina Önaç (appointed October 2024) • Chief Executive Officer Janet Fischer MBE (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 and CAF Bank, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Mailing, Kent, ME19 4JQ

In addition to the main central fund banks above, the are 5 regional bank accounts.

Structure, governance 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 2025, 11 members had guaranteed £1 each in the event of the winding up of the company.

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 Training 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 induction 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 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 across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 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 is responsible for the management and support of the team of Directors; overview of the financial position nationally; 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, Strategic Directors and Cymru National Director) 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 Music in Education and Music in Health programmes, working with staff teams in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Staff teams include a Programme Director, Project Managers and a Project Coordinator for each programme strand. Work in Cymru is led by the National Director Cymru with support from a Project Manager and Coordinator. Work in Northern Ireland is led by Programme Director Northern Ireland, with strategic oversight from the Strategic Director Music in Education and support from a Programme Coordinator. The CEO leads the development of Live Music Now’s Music in Place Programme. National Director Cymru and Programme Director Northern Ireland are responsible for raising funds to support activities of the charity within their country. They are supported by a network of voluntary advisors, chaired by the Trustee based in their region. A Fundraising Director withs with the staff teams to undertake fundraising for the charity; an

Operations Coordinator provide central support for the charity’s HR and operations. An external bookkeeper undertakes financial operations for the charity. 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 Senior Management Team reviewed the ongoing risks and issues monthly and the ongoing risks and mitigations at each

meeting. In particular:

• Increase in costs due to the increased cost-of-living, 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 our musicians’ workforce

• 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 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 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 Health 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 Music in Education programme, with a focus on children with additional learning needs and their families, through specialist support in schools and the continued work on our Inspire training programme.

• Live Music Now aims to develop its Music in Place programme, working in -depth with communities to deliver impactful, music-making activities across the life course.

• 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 induction, specialist training 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 three strategic programmes – Education, Health and Place – adapting programmes to address regional and national priorities. Beneficiaries include: children and young people, particularly those with additional learning needs and their families; older people living with dementia; isoloated rural communities; those living with mental illness.

Live Music Now has prioritised the development of long-term, developmental 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 about our Programmes to monitor progress on a regular basis.

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 joining the scheme are taken through a comprehensive induction process and offered training opportunities in order to provide continual professional development

in the area of music leadership. Specialist training is embedded into project work across the programme strands.

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 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 Adults at Risk, 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. Regular e-newsletters and social media communications are produced with additional printed materials relating to specific areas of work. The charity fosters relationships with key authorities and independent agencies in order to develop and strengthen work.

Finances

The CEO holds the key responsibility for coordinating and generating fundraising for central funds. All staff members support with income generation and fundraising, with support from the Fundraising Director, Strategic Directors and National Director. This is coordinated via a central funding database. Quarterly budgets and financial reports, showing programme performance as well as consolidated figures, are produced for the Trustees’ monitoring purposes.

12. 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 will be used for project delivery in the coming year. The year-end level of unrestricted general reserves is £3,656. Restricted reserves are £354,705. 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.

As in previous years, the trustees have been comfortable that the charity is a going concern.

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 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. Live Music Now 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: 29/01/26

13. Independent Auditors Report to the Members of Live Music Now for the year ended 31 March 2025

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of the Live Music Now (‘the charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 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).

In our opinion the financial statements:

give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the 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.

Conclusions relating to going concern

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or
the trustees have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the Charity’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

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

Independent Auditors Report to the Members of Live Music Now for the year ended 31 March 2025 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 26, 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 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 non-compliance 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

Independent Auditors Report to the Members of Live Music Now for the year ended 31 March 2025

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 non-compliance with laws and regulations.

To address the risk of fraud through management 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 noncompliance. 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 members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charityʼs members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charityʼs members 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 Dated: 30 January 2026

14. Statement of Financial Activities

(Including Income and Expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2025

	Notes Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Investments 4 Total Expenditure on: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities 6 Total Net income/ (expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward16	Unrestricted Restricted Total funds Total funds funds funds 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 431,756 598,107 1,029,863 1,161,045 304,145 28,568 332,713 383,415 206 - 206 286
		736,106 626,676 1,362,782 1,544,746
		40,906 76,110 117,016 104,611 618,275 664,140 1,282,415 1,505,418
		659,181 740,249 1,399,431 1,610,029
		76,925 (113,574) (36,649) (65,283) (12,823) 12,823 -
		64,102 (100,750) (36,649) (65,283)
		(60,445) 455,455 395,010 460,292
		3,657 354,705 358,362 395,010

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 in section 17. form part of these financial statements.

15. Balance Sheet

As at 31 March 2025

Note Fixed assets 12 Current assets Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 14 Net current assets Net assets The funds of the charity: Restricted funds Unrestricted income funds 16 General funds	2025 2024 £ £ 1,898 3,082 242,050 210,285 263,614 348,059 505,664 558,344 (149,200) (166,416) 356,463 391,928 358,362 395,010 354,705 455,455 3,657 (60,445) 358,362 395,010

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).

Approved by the board of trustees on 29 January 2026. and signed on its behalf by:

Sir Vernon Ellis Chairman

Company Number - 1312283

16. Statement of Cashflows

For the year ended 31 March 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
£ £
Cash used in operating activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 17 (84,134) (78,280)
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest income 206 286
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (516) -
Cash provided by/(used) in investing activities (311) 286
Cash flows from financing activities
Loan converted to donation - (100,000)
-
Cash provided by/(used) in financing activities (100,000)
(Decrease)/Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the
(84,445) (177,994)
year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 348,059 526,053
Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 263,614 348,059
----- End of picture text -----

17. Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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 £.

The effects of events relating to the year ended 31 March 2025 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 2025 and the results for the year ended on that date.

The Live Music Now meets the definition of 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).

Reconciliation with previous Generally Accepted Accounting Practice

In preparing the accounts, the trustees have considered whether in applying the accounting policies required by FRS102 and the Charities SORP FRS102 the restatement of comparative items was required. No restatements were required.

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.

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

1 Accounting policies (continued)

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 straightline 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 committed 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.

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.

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued…)

1 Accounting policies (continued)

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.

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued…)

2 INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted|Restricted|2025|2024| |Funds|Funds|Total|Total| |£|£|£|£| |Government & other public authorities|224,014|95,185|319,199|168,562| |Supporters, including corporate sponsors| |46,387|-|46,387|167,912| |& general public| |Charitable institutions|61,355|502,922|564,277|824,571| |Legacies|100,000|-|100,000|-| |431,756|598,107|1,029,863|1,161,045| |3 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES| |Unrestricted|Restricted|2025|2024| |Funds|Funds|Total|Total| |£|£|£|£| |Earned income|304,145|28,568|332,713|383,415|

----- End of picture text -----

3 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

4 INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS & OTHER INCOME

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted|Restricted|2025|2024| |Funds|Funds|Total|Total| |£|£|£|£| |Bank interest|206|-|206|286| |206|-|206|286| |5 RAISING FUNDS EXPENDITURE| |Unrestricted|Restricted|2025|2024| |Funds|Funds|Total|Total| |£|£|£|£| |Fundraising consultant|-|-|-|13,850| |Fundraising costs|2,815|-|2,815|12,120| |Community fundraiser|5,682.15|30,822|36,504|6,666| |Development costs|32,408|45,288|77,696|71,975| |40,906|76,110|117,016|104,611|

----- End of picture text -----

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued…)

6 ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

General Restricted General Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds Funds Total £ £ £ £ £ £ Musicians fees and expenses 321,359 284,380 605,739 295,939 313,320 609,259 Recruitment, auditions and 235 29,280 29,515 1,541 44,360 45,901 Project expenses - other 14,505 28,217 42,722 51,474 42,532 94,006 Project delivery costs 213,375 133,602 346,977 176,906 269,675 446,581 Governance costs 25,338 - 25,338 16,679 2,661 19,339 Administration and office costs 43,463 188,660 232,123 174,202 72,059 246,261 Redundancy payments - - - 44,069 - 44,069 618275 664140 1282415 760811 744607 1505418 2024 2025	General Restricted Funds Funds Total £ £ £ 321,359 284,380 605,739 235 29,280 29,515 14,505 28,217 42,722 213,375 133,602 346,977 25,338 - 25,338 43,463 188,660 232,123 - - - 2025	General 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 2,661 19,339 174,202 72,059 246,261 44,069 - 44,069 2024	General 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 2,661 19,339 174,202 72,059 246,261 44,069 - 44,069 2024

			44607 1505418

7 ANALYSIS OF GOVERNANCE COSTS

ANALYSIS OF GOVERNANCE COSTS
Board meeting costs Accountancy fees Audit fees	General support Governance 2025 Total 2024 Total £ £ £ £ - 819 819 1,508 14,229 - 14,229 13,832 - 10,290 10,290 4,000
	14,229 11,109 25,338 19,339

8 ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS

Rent, rates, heating & lighting Insurance Bank charges Staff Salaries and NI costs Staff expenses Sundry Depreciation Allocated development director to fundraising costs Allocated community fundraiser to fundraising costs Administration and office support Office expenses (including accountancy) Allocated director and project costs to project delivery costs	2025 Total 2024 Total £ £ 25,815 38,076 53,323 56,788 3,918 3,063 2,070 2,667 608,411 663,535 22,036 11,443 478 921 1,701 1,598
	717,752 778,090
	368,331 453,188 77,696 71,975 36,504 6,666
	235,220 246,261

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued…)

9 ANALYSIS OF STAFF COSTS & EXPENSES AND THE COST OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

PERSONNEL
The number of higher paid employees was: In the band £70,001to £80,000– 1 (2024: £60,001 to £70,000 - 1). Wages & Salaries Social security costs Pension costs Charitable activities and fundraising Management 10 STAFF NUMBERS	2025 Total 2024 Total £ £ 552,855 598,085 44,368 53,158 11,188 12,292 608,411 663,535 2025 Total 2024 Total 14 19 3 3
	17 22

Expenses reimbursed 11 TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES	2025 Total 2024 Total £ £ 99 373

No trustees received any remuneration during the year (2024: £nil)

The key management personnel remuneration totals £109,504 (2024: £130,000).

Additional payments totaling £3,666 were made to key management in respect of expenses reimbursed.

No special retirement payments were made during the year (2024: £nil). Pension contributions totaling £11,188 (2024: £12,291) were made during the year. As at the 31 March 2025 there was £2,152 in outstanding contributions payable (2024: £2,831).

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

In addition to the normal staff the charity uses musicians on a short-term contract basis from a pool of approximately 300 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 £605,739 (2024: £609,259) was paid.

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued…)

12 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Depreciation charge At 31 March 2025 Net book values 31 March 2025 31 March 2024		Total £ 7,988 516 -
		8,504
		4,905 1,701
		6,606
		1,898
		3,083

Sundry debtors Accrued income 13 DEBTORS Other creditors Accruals Taxation and social security 14 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR	2025 Total £ 142,050 100,000	2024 Total £ 143,768 66,517
	242,050	210,285
	2025 Total £ 71,236 54,328 23,636	2024 Total £ 81,078 47,569 37,769
	149,200	166,416

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued…)

15 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |2025|2024| |Total|Total| |£|£| |Carrying value of financial assets measured at amortised cost| |235,093|204,305| |Carrying value of financial liabilities measured at amortised cost|125,564|128,647|

----- End of picture text -----

16 FUNDS

----- Start of picture text -----
||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |Balance at 1 Apr|Incoming|Resources|Balance at| |2024|resources|expended|Transfers|31 Mar 2025| |£|£|£|£|£| |Restricted funds|455,455|626,676|(740,249)|12,823|354,705| |General fund|(60,445)|736,106|(659,181)|(12,823)|3,656| |395,010|1,362,782|(1,399,431)|-|358,361|

----- End of picture text -----

Within restricted reserves there are material funds carried forward as follows:

The Daniell Trust £41,592 Youth Music £47,597

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued…)

17 RECONCILITION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
£ £
Net movements in funds (36,649) (65,283)
Add back: Depreciation 1,701 1,598
Deduct: Interest shown in investing activities (206) (286)
(Increase) in debtors (31,765) (110,722)
(Decrease) in creditors (17,216) 96,414
(84,134) (78,280)
----- End of picture text -----

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 £nil (2024: £555) 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 £nil (2024 £450), these were paid direct to Live Music Now Scotland in full.

During the year total donations of £1,660 (2024: £5,100) were received directly from the trustees.

The Vernon Ellis Foundation also made a restricted donation in the year ended 31 March 2025 of £5,000 (2024 - £11,522)

20 CAPITAL

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 contracted before he or she 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.

17. Image Credits

Donard School
Lyn, Activities Coordinator, Marleyfield House
Rikard Osterlund
Rikard Osterlund
Rikard Osterlund
James Ward
Donard School

18. Contact us

LIVE MUSIC NOW | 337-341 High Street | Rochester | ME1 1DA 020 7759 1803 info@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 www.livemusicnow.org.uk

Live Music Now

Live Music Now

Annual Report 2024-25

CONTENTS

1. Introduction from the Chair

2. Introduction from CEO

Total Annual Impact

3. Music in Education: Introduction

Music in Autism Resource Bases (ARBs) 2024–25

Inspire Programme – musicians’ development at Donard School, Banbridge

Musician in Residence at The Hollies School, Cardiff

Key achievements include:

5. Music in Place – Introduction

Strengthening Communities through Music: Live Music Now in Medway

Celebrating Culture and Connection Through Live Music in Limavady and Derry

Lullaby in South Wales: Supporting New Parents Through Music and Connection

Live Music Now in England

Strengthening Music for Learning, Health and Communities Across England

Music in Education: Music Masters Partnership

6. Live Music Now in Cymru

This year’s highlights include:

Music in Education: Musical Mondays

Music in Health: Creating Connection and Wellbeing Through Collaborative Songwriting

Music in Place: Supporting perinatal mental health in South Wales through Lullaby

7. Live Music Now in Northern Ireland

Music in Health: Music for Dementia - supporting wellbeing in Belfast Care Homes

Music in Place: Supporting music and culture in Limavady

8. Musicians Development

What musicians told us

9. Looking Forward

10. Funding & Fundraising

Funder List

11. Trustees Annual Report

Directors and Trustees

Structure, governance and Management Constitution

Selection of Trustees

Induction and Training of Trustees New

Organisational Structure

Objectives & Activities

Risk Assessment

Objects

Aims

Strategies for implementation

Project Delivery

Musicians

Monitoring

Promoting the charity

Finances

12. Financial Review

Chairman’s statement on Reserves Policy

Principal Funding Sources

Trustees’ responsibilities

Public Benefit Statement

13. Independent Auditors Report to the Members of Live Music Now for the year ended 31 March 2025

Opinion

Basis for opinion

Conclusions relating to going concern

Other information

Independent Auditors Report to the Members of Live Music Now for the year ended 31 March 2025 Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

14. Statement of Financial Activities

(Including Income and Expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2025

15. Balance Sheet

As at 31 March 2025

16. Statement of Cashflows

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Company information

Basis of preparation

Reconciliation with previous Generally Accepted Accounting Practice

Going concern

Fund accounting

1 Accounting policies (continued)

Incoming resources