Belfa5tTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society)
BELFAsrrRAD (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE SOCIETY)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Charity Reference: NIC 100872
McGuire + Farry Limited

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
General Information
MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE cOMMI￿EE
Tom Clarke
Deirdre Kearns
Martin Dowling
Anne Marie Walsh
Kevin Mccullagh
Berni Corr
Pat O'Hagan
Conal Mullan
Conor Diamond
Robert Cuthbert
Alison Morrow
Christine Dowling
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Treasurer
Safeguarding
Music Co-ordinator
Dance Co-ordinator
Dance Co-ordinator
Conall Mullan
Data Visuali5ation Officer
Officer
Officer
Officer
Fiona Ni Mhearain
Administrator/Secretary
REGISTERED OFFICE
Blick Shared Studios
51 Malone Road
Belfast
BT9 6RY
BANKERS
Ulster Bank
Belfast City Office 2 Branch
PO BOX 232
11-16 Donegall Sq East
Belfast
BTI SUB
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS
McGuire + Farry Limited
Emerson House
Ballynahinch Road
Carryduff
Belfast
BT8 8DN

BelfastTrad {Traditional Music and Dance Society)
Contents
Pa
Report of the Executive Committee
Independent Examinerfs Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Income and Expenditure Account
Balance Sheet
io
Notes to the financial statements
11-16

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society)
Executive Committee Report
For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
The Executive Committee present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note I to the accounts and complv
with the charity's Eoverning document and "Accounting and Reporting Charities= Statement of Recommended Practice".
Status and Admlnistration
The BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society) is a charity under number NIC 100872 and is governed by an Executive
Committee (also referred to as '7rustees"l. The registered office of the charity is located at Blick Shared Studios, 51 Malone
Road, Belfast, BT9 6RY.
Principle Activitv
The principle activity of the society is to promote and develop a knowledge and love of the traditional arts of Irish music and
dance and to advance its education in the greater Belfast and district area.
BelfastTrad was originally founded as Belfast and District Set Dancing and Traditional Music Society. Constituted in 1991, it
was formed by a small cohort of like-minded dancers and musicians led by the set dancer Mary Fox. The goals and ethos of
the Societyfrom it5 inception have been to ensure that the shared traditions of Irish music and dance are available to anyone
who wants to learn, with classes provided in a welcoming and neutral setting. Our students are aged 5-90. with the majority
of our students being young adults and up.
We have now completed a full year of classes at Stranmillis University College. This prestigious institution provides the
perfert environment for BelfastTrad's traditional arts programrne, and its custom-designed music and dance spaces, set in a
spacious tree-lined campus offers our growing membership great parking facilities. a café, performance spaces and more.
2022-23 saw an exciting year for the society wtth a full year of in-person classes, a return to pre-covid enrolment numbers,
a growth in programming events, an invitation to Aras an Uachtarain, a studentconcert at Mandela Hall, a rebranding process
and morel
The Executive Committee have pald due regard to guidance issued bythe Charity Commission in deciding what artivities the
Society should undertake.
Public Benefit
The benefit which flows from the provision of traditional arts of Irish music and dance include education, social illclusion and
artistic expression to the people throughout Northern Ireland that participate in the activities. The provision of workshops,
classes, lectures and training in all aspects of traditional music and dancing skills to anyone in the area of benefit who wants
to learn also provides the benefits of education. greater understanding of our shared tultuie and traditions and the
attainment of musical skills.
We welcome people of all abilities. Through the organisation of the performance of traditional musit, song and dance and
promoting active participation in such arts provides difect benefits of supporting the arts. social cohesion, and better health.
Achievements and performan
Our annual programme for 2022-23. supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Lottery funding through the Art5
Council, consisted this year of an average of 43 weekly classes per term with Spring Term 22, Autumn Term 22 and Winter
Term 23 all happening in-person at Stranmillis University College. We were delighted to have full range of music, song and
dance cla5se5 all in-person at the same venue for the entire year. Be￿3stTrad also held a range of special events including
16 workshops in music, dance and son& 4 additional workshops at the TradFest Winter weekend, 3 illustrated lectures, 2
signing sessions, our music sessions, a pipe¢s chair and I"In Conversation With" event. We also continued our collaboration
with Glengormley School of Music to host 2 Child￿n.5 sessions at the new arts venue 2 Royal Avenue.
The level of participation in oui classes and events grew siBntficantly thisyear with 733 students attending our weekly classes
over the three terms. This 15 a growth of 6.4% on last yearfs numbers and our highest student enrolment yet, higher even
than our pre-covid enrolments. Almost 800 more people engaged with us at our other events such as workshops, lectures,
sessions, concerts, and collaborative events with other organisation5.
We continue to engage and support the local community including schools and encourage all members of the public to enjoy
the benefits provided from traditional music and dance.

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society)
Executive Committee Report
For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Financial review
A statement of financial activities for the year is set out on page 7.
The Society is a non-profit making organisation. The results are set out in detail on pages 7 to 14. The Society recorded a
deficity of £11,751 In the year,12022'. surplu5 of £8341.
Income generated from Society activities totalled £83,41012022.' £63,104) of which £35,82412022'. £31,374) was received
from Arts Council of Northern Ireland. This continues to fund a part-time administrative w5t within the Society. The
remaining income was generated by term fees for a range of instrument classes at various levels, individual and set dancing
classes, workshops. oblique masterclasses and end of tem) concertslceili's.
In the year under review, the management committee embarked on a iebranding exercise, ap￿lintIng a subcommittee to
steer the work of the Boom Clap Play Cornpany to redesign our logo, promotional material, and website. This exercise
required an investment of £5,000 from our reserves.
The balance of fijnds at the year-end was £38.969 of which £38.969 was unrestricted.
The committee have discussed strategies for reducing any unnecessary expenditure and will apply these In the forthcoming
programme of events.
Reserves
The Committee considers it prudent to hold monies in reserve in the event that unforeseen circumstances should lead to
financial difficulties which might put the users, well-being and charitable work in jeopardy. The Committee recognises that
in the developing public sertor funding climate, competition forfuture grant aid will be even more intense. Free reserves
are defined by the trustees as those funds freely available for use as the society so determines and thereby excludes any
restricted or designated funds.
Focu5 for the future
The society now looks forward to growing our programme and our audience overthe next year as we build on the success
of this year now we are firmly established in our new venue. We shall launch our re-branding before Autumn Term of this
year which will further help consolidate our image and identTty as the leading provider of traditional arts tuition in Belfasys
Queen's Quarter and South Belfast and help gain new audiences.
Strurturei governance. and management
The Society was formally constituted in 1991. It 15 a non-profrt making organisation.
The executive committee members, who are also trustees for the purFK)se of chartty law, and served during the year were:
Tom Clarke
Deirdre Kearns
Martin Dowling
Anne Marie Walsh
Kevin Mccullagh
Berni Corr
Pat O'Hagan
Conall Mullan
Conor Diamond
Robert Cuthbert
Alison Morrow
Christine Dowling
During the period under review the Commtttee met monthly and the present Committee was approved by the
membership at the Annual General Meeting.
Recruitment and appointment of Trustees
Under the Society Constitution the number of trijstees for the purpose of law shall not be less than three and is not subject
to any maximum. Trustees a￿ elected to serve only until the next Annual General Meetin& at which they shall be eligible
for re-election.
Taxation
The Society has no liability to taxation as a result of its charitable ststus.

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society)
Executive Committee Report
For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Executive Committee Report and the financial statements in accordance
with applicable law and regulations.
Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial ststements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have
elected to prepare the financial ststements in accordance wrth the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 21)08. Under relevant
legislation the trustees must not approve the financial ststements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair
view of the state of affairs of the charity and the net movement in funds foi that period. In preparing these financial
statements, the Trustees are required to..
Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently:
Obsetve the methods and principals in the Charities SORP;
Make judgements and accounting estimate5 that are reasonable and prudent- and
Prepare the financial statements on the going coricern basis unless It is inappropriate to assume the charity wlll
continue on that basis.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the chariws
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to
ensure that the financial statements comply with the applicable law and regulations. They are also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detertion of fraud and
other irregularities.
The executive committee report was approved by the Executive Committee and signed on their behalf by..
Tom Clarke
Chairperson
Date=

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society)
Independent Examinerfs Report
To the members of BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society)
I report on the financial 5tatement5 on behalf of BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society) for the year-ended
31 March 2023, set out on pages 8 to 15.
Respective responsibilities of charlty twstees and examiner
As the charitls trustees you are responsible for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with the Charities Act
INorthern Ireland) 2008. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit and is eligible for independent
examination, it is my responsibility to=
Examine the financial ststements under section 65 of the Charities Act
Follow the procedures laid down in general direction5 given to the commlssion under section 6519llbl of the
Charities Act.
State whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basls of independent examinerfs report
I have examined your charity financial statements as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was
carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commi55ion of Northern Ireland under section 6519llbl
of the Charities Act.
Our examination included review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements
presented with those on records. Italso included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements
and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention gNing me cause to believe..
The accounting records where not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act
That the financial statements do not accord wwth those accounting records
That the financial statements do notcomply with the methods and principles of the Charity Statement of Recommended
Practice.
That there is further information needed for a proper understsnding of the financial statements to be reached.
Independent examinerfs statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of matters111 to141 listed above and, in connertion with
following the direction of the Charities Commission of Northern Ireland. I have found no matters that require drawing your
attention.
Brian R McGuire FCCA for and on behalf of
McGuire + Farry Limited
Chartered Certified Accountants
Emerson House
Ballynahinch Road
Cafryduff
Belfast
BT8 8DN
Date=

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society)
Statement of Financial Activities
For the Year ended 31 March 2023
Unrestrirted
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
Note
Income from..
Grants and Oonation5
35,824
35￿24
31,374
Charitable Activities
47.512
47.512
31,730
Total Income
47￿12
35,824
83,336
63,104
Ex
enditure on:
Charitable Activities
22A49
68.889
39,744
Management and Administration
12W7
13.375
26.272
22,526
Total Expenditure
59,337
35.824
95.161
62,270
Net movement in Funds
111.8251
111,8251
834
Fund balances at l April 2022
io
50,720
50,720
49,886
Fund balances at 31 March 2023
io
38,895
38.895
50,720

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dan￿ Society)
Income and Expenditure Account
For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Notes
2023
2022
Net Income
Stripe Income
Instrument Hire
Box Office
Other Sponsorship
Refunds
Grants Receivable
45,531
650
760
434
211
35.824
31,324
406
31,374
83,410
63,104
Net Expenditure
Workshop/Ceili Expenses
Tudor Payments
Rent Payable
Depreciation- FF&E
Wages and Salaries
Training
Insurance
Instruments/EquipmenVStorage
Administration Expenses
MarketinglBranding
Telephone
Digital Services
Accountancy Fees
Bank Charge5
Misc and Refunds
Membership Fees
6,170
35,436
26,805
479
15,045
380
1,258
385
480
5,000
386
1,887
660
109
621
60
4,934
31,403
2,915
479
17,807
1,185
13
93
30
449
2,004
660
108
189
95,161
62,270
Surplus/lDeficit} for Year
111,751)
834

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dan￿ Society)
Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2023
2023
2022
Notes
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
IN
1,897
Currents Assets
Debtor5
5,022
9,129
Cash at bank and on hand
55.804
59.171
Petty Cash
60A26
68.3(Kl
Creditors: Amounts falling
due within one year
23275
19A77
Net Current Assets
37￿51
48.823
Total Assets less Current Liabilities
38,969
50,720
Income Funds
Unrestricted Funds
38,969
50,720
Designated Funds
Restricted Funds
38.969
50,720
The notes at pages 11 to 16 form part of these accounts
Approved and signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
NAME: Tom Clarke
NAME: Martin Dowling
TITLE: Chairperson
TITLE: Treasurer
Date:
Date:
10-

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year ended 31 March 2023
Statement of Accounting policies
The following policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in
relation to the Charivs financial statements.
1.1 Nature of the Society
The Society is an unincorporated organisation with charFtable ststils. The registered office is Blick Shared Studios,
51 Malone Road, BelFa5t, BT9 6RY
1.2 Basls of Preparatlon
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the CharIt￿S governing document and
"Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice"
1.3 Incoming Resour￿5
Grants
Grants represent all amounts receivable during the year.
Capital grants are included as incoming resources when receivable and categorised within designated
funds. Depreciation is subsequently charged against the funds each year equivalent to the rates on the
felevant assets in question.
Other Income
This includes all other income receNed and receivable during the year.
1.4 Resources Expended
Direct charitable expenditure
This represents all expenditure directly attributable to charitable status.
Management and Administration
This includes all other expenditure not directly allocated above and a proportion of the overhead costs
attributable to management and administration.
Overhead Costs
Overhead costs arising centrally which are directly attributable to other activities of the organisation
have been apportioned to those artivities on appropriate bases.
1.5 Tangible Fixed Assets
The cost of fixed assets is their ptjrchase cost. together with any incidental costs of acquisition.
Depreciation of fixed assets is calculated to write off their cost or valuation less any residual value over their
estimated useful lives a5 follows..
Fixtures & Equipment
IO% straight line
11-

BelfastTrad {Traditional Music and Dance Society)
Note5 to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Accounting Policies (continued)
1.6 Taxatlon
No provision is required for taxation as the Society is defined as a charity for taxation purpose5
1.7 Charitable Funds
The Society has various types of fvnds for which it is responsible, and which require separate disclosure.
These are as follows=
Restricted Funds
Grants recetved which are earmarked by the donor for specific purposes. Such purposes are within the
overall aims of the O￿aniSation.
Designated Funds
The society may at its discretion set aside funds for specrfic purposes which would otherwise form part
of the general reserves of the Society.
Unrestricted Funds
Funds which are expendable at the discretion of the Society in furtherance of the objectives of the
Society. In addition. funds may be held in order to finance capital investments and working capital.
1.8 Going con￿rn
At the time of approving the accounts the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate
resource5 to continue operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus. the trustees continue to adopt the
golng concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
12-

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
2 Income
Unrestricted
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
Grants Received
Arts Countil
35,824
35,824
31,374
35,824
35,824
31,374
Other Income
Music/Dance Classes
Ceilis/Concerts/lnstrument Hire
45,531
45,531
31,324
650
650
Other EventslBox Office
760
760
Sponsorship Donations
RefundslBank Errors
434
434
406
211
211
47,586
47.586
31,730
13~

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year ended 31 March 2023
Expenditure
Unrestricted
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
Direct Charitable Expenditure
Workshopslcejlj
Dance/Music Tutors
6,170
6.170
4,947
24,985
10.450
35A35
31,403
Venue Rentals
14.806
11,999
26,805
2,915
Depreciation
479
479
479
46.440
22.449
68￿89
39,744
Management and Administration
of the charity
Wage5 & Salaries
Administration Expenses
Telephone
Marketing/Branding
Digital Services
Insurance
1.671
13,375
15,046
17,807
480
93
386
386
449
5.OLM)
5,000
30
1.887
1,887
2,004
1,258
1,258
1,185
Bank Charges
Misc and Refunds
109
109
108
621
621
Accountancy
Training
Instruments/EquipmenVStorage
Membership Fees
660
660
660
380
385
385
60
189
12,897
13,375
26,272
22,526
14~

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society)
Notes to the Financial Statements
Forthe Year Ended 31 March 2023
4 Tangible Fixed Assets
fixtures &
Equipment
Total
Cost
At l April 2022
Additions
21.627
21,627
Disposals
At 31 March 2023
21.627
21,627
Depreciation
At l April 2022
Charge for the year
Released on disposals
19,730
19,251
479
479
At 31 March 2023
20.209
19,730
Net Book Value
At 31 March 2023
IA18
1,897
At 31 March 2022
1,897
1,897
Debtors
2023
2022
Debtors
4,090
8,292
Prepayments
932
837
5,022
9,129
6 Credttors: arnounts falllng due wTthln one year
Accruals
23.275
19,477
15-

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year ended 31 March 2023
7 Contingent Liabilities
There exists a contingent liabilwty to repay* in whole or part. grants received if certain circumstances as set out in the
letter of offer octur5 following receipt of grants.
Related Party Transactions
There were no related party transactions during the year.
Employee Numbers
The average number of persons employed by the charity during the year amounted to I12022- 11
10 Movement In Income Funds
Unrestricted
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
2023
Fund balances at l April 2022
50.720
50,720
ProfitllLossl for Year
111.7511
111,7511
Fund Balances at 31 March 2023
38,969
38,969
16-