Charlty registration number NIC102887
Company rngistration number N1058177 {Northern Ireland)
FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
G Erskine
E S Adams
JRDaly
R Lynas
A Malone
C Traynor
S Patterson
L Kelly
(Resigned 1410912023)
(Resigned 10/1112023)
Ch•rlty number
NIC102887
Company number
N1058177
Reglstered office
23 Gordon Street
Belfast
Co. Antrirn
Northern Ireland
B TI 2LG
Audltor
AAB Group Accountants Limited
1 3 Arthur Street
Belfast
Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT14GA
Bank•rs
Unity Trust Bank PLC
PO Box 7193
Planetary Road
Willenhall
WV1 9DG

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees, report
Independent auditor'5 report
10- 15
Statement of financial activities
16
Balance sheet
17- 18
Statement of cash flows
19
Notes to the financial statements
20-31

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Trustees present their report and audited financial ststements for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to
the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006. the
Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement ol
Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial
Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective 1 January 20191..
Chalrs report
Festival of Fools returned to Belfast for the first Bank Holiday weekend in May 2023.
°Keep going - its honestly 8elfJ5r ar its best. No other Fesfrval locally compares."Audience Member 2023
"Such a wbran¢ inspiring, joirful weekend. 8elfJ5t 15 very lucky to have Ithi5], and the wonderful resoufce of
the 2RA bui/ding"Audience Member 2023
7he /estiva/ olthe fools brought me to pèrt5 of the city that I normally wouldn t ￿51t snd was a great
source ofjoy dunng hard tiine&-Audience Member 2023
Article5 of Association and objectives
Festival of Foo15 Memorandum and Articles of Association remain the same as when last signed in 2006.
They state that Festival of Fools exists to promote circus and street theatre through the staging of festivals,
public performances and events of public benefit.
Its main aims and objectives are:
For the advancement of the arts in Northern Ireland and in particular
For the development and promotion of Street Theatre in the area of benefit.,
For the provision and rnanagement of a Street Theatre festival and other large scale street arts
events available to all without distinction of gender, age, colour, political or religiou5 opinion-
To promote access to the arts,.
To cary on any other activity which may be advantageously carried on in connettion with any of
the objects of the Company.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what attivities
the charity should undertake.
Activltles and achievements
Delivery in the year 2023-24 built on the newly introduced strategic plan and values. developed
relationships, engaged new audiences and inspired both community and professional performers. Thi5 Meant
we worked in partnership with other organisations, built on previous Success and took time to reflec¢
respond and refocus our thinking.

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The main event:
With over 80 free daytime performances programmed and another sold out ticketed evening show the
programme was full to bursting with both new and well-established work, professional and community
performers. The professional programme included artists from Germany, Portugal, Sweden, England, Ireland
and South Korea, As in previous years the community programme included young people and adults from
Belfast and young people from LondonderrylDerry and Cloughjordan, Tipperary and Galway. We held our
first ever Fresh Fools cabaret on the Bank Holiday.
We fijrther developed the Festival of Fools IFOFI After Hours strand of our programme this year, presenting
three performances of Bricolage, an evening of contemporary circus from art15t5 across the island of Ireland.
We also continued our partnerships with Hit The North street art festival, Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival,
Ramada by Wyndham Hotel, Oh Yeah Centre. St Anne's Cathedral and built a new relationship for aUdIe￿e
discounts With HJEM.
For the first time we worked with 2 Royal Avenue as our community venue partner. This worked real￿ well
and was one in one out for most of the weekend.
The 2023 programme showcased the work of 43 professional artists, 12 emerging artlSt5 and 60 young
performers supported by 18 tutors. The crew included 19 venue managers, 7 crew, 4 sound operators and
we were also sUPPOrted by 34 volunteers.
Total audience across all shows.. 17,250.
Individual audience members- 2,949 each seeing an average of 6 show5.
Percentage of individual audience members Surveyed: 13% (3831.
38% of our audience were childrenlyoung people.
87% of our survey respondents say they came to this area the city specifically to attend FOF.
41% olour Judience are Irom outside Belfast
The organisation wa5 especially well thought out and executed.1 So thanks for making u5 fee150 welcome
and well taken care of 'Artist 2023
"Thankyou 50 much lor hawng us. We have been to many festivals and I've got to Say rhis was by lar the
besr and most well organised event we've performed atl As an artist its Ve￿ rare to be able fo tscus sole
on performitig and not have to worry about all the backgmund log15tlC5 that come along with ir. We fell in
love ¢wth Bellasf and the festival of fools and can't thankyou and al/ the team enough for hawng us1 Plus
what amazing crowdsl-Artist 2023
92% described the experience as FUN
76% described it as JOYFUL
71% said IT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER
68% said COMMUNITY
49% as SURPRISING
51% a5 INSPIRING.

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Things we notfficed about Festival of Fools 2023:
Participants: We had 206 participants, 65 who were under 25 years of age.
The evèning programme: Was very popular, with all three nights sold out.
Using 2 Royal Av•nue- This offered a brilliant. accessible, attractive indoor city centre venue that was
very popular and a great addition to the programme as a whole.
Plannlng: We built on the success of 2022,5 Event Management Plan, The addition of Anna Treanor to
the team wa5 incredibly valuable and the weekend was 5rn00th.
Environmental and 50cietal: We limited our carbon footprint by only supplying vegan and Veget￿lan
foods for artists and crew. We a150 limited the use of one use plastic compared to previous years.
noticed we had more 'incident5' relating to people who call our city streets/hostels home and whilsl
there was no lasting damage it added to the stresses and points of concern over the weekend.
Wet weather The weather was mixed over the weekend. We only had to cancel two shows.
Community involvement and partnerships
For many years, Festival of Fools has had a community component. In 2023 it wa5 developed even further
thanks to our partnership with Circusful and funding from Circus Explored. Key activities included..
60 young performers from across the island of Ireland performed inside 2 Royal Avenue.
A group of young people shared a Belfast-inspired travelling piece that connected together multiple
performance sites.
Drop-in workshops were offered to a wide range of parents, children and pa55ers-by.
12 emerging performers put together our first ever Fresh Fools Cabaret.
As briefly mentioned above, we also continued our partnership5 Wlth Hit The North street art festival,
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Ramada by Wyndham Hotel, Oh Yeah Centre, St Anne's Cathedral and bult a
new relationship for audience discounts with HJEM.
Pll medla and social m•dla Coverage:
In preparation for the 2023 festival we built on our 2022 press/PR plan to try and ensure even greater
coverage than previous years. As the following demonstrates we were successful in securing a good level of
coverage across all channels.
Radio - Festival of Fools was profiled across most Nl stations, primarily through interviews with Jenna
Hall. Chief Executive and professional artists. Total Nl radio audience figures {weekly) are in the region
of 1.6million.
Printed coverage - Multiple articles were achieved across local and national printed publications.
TV- UTV news Issued an 'as live, broadcast on the Friday night just before Festival of Fools opened.
Onllne news - Extensive online coverage was achieved as a result of pres5 releases issued on the lead
up to and following the festival weekend.
Social - Between 13th April and 9th May 2023, Festival of Foo15 social media reach was just under
100,000. Women made up 65% of our audience on social media. Increases in 'follower5'. 'likes' etc was
up across all platforms.

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
In conclusion Festival of Fools 2023 was a great success and resulted in considerable press/media coverage,
our largest audiences since 2018 and sell out ticketed performances. Alongside this, our redeveloped
community programme offered an un-rivalled chance for young performers to develop and share skills with
each other and professional circus artists. Visit www.Foolsfestival.com and our Facebook page for photos,
videos and much more - htt
www.facebook.com
foolsfestival
Wider work completed over the financlal year 2023-24
Partnership5 and sharlng
In November 2023 Jenna Hall ICEOI and Frankie Magiligan were invited to represent Festival of Fools at an
Arts and Business event for local businesses. They presented an overview of the festival, its impact and
partnerships and Frankie performed a short act.
Fe5tlvals Forum
Festival of Fools continues to make an important contribution to the above through holding the ro￿ of Co-
Chair. Over the year the thematic conversations introduced in late 2022-23 have continued.
Funders and FOF as a going concern
The Board of Trustees would like to thank our supporters. particularly, Belfast City Council, the Art5 Council
of Northem Ireland, Arts & Business Nl and CQ BID for their flexibility and support throughout the year.
The Board of Festival of Fools consider the organisation to be a viable going concern for the years ahead.
Since the new CEO ha5 taken over the financial viability of the organisation has turned around. In 2018-19
the organisation ended the year in deficit. This wa5 negated and a surplus generated each year sinc¢
desplte the pandemic. As a Board we recognise the challenges that lie ahead in terms of fijnding, increased
COSts and uncertainty. However, we are confident that whilst the fonnat will necessarily evolve and develop,
Festival of Fools will go from strength to strength.
Financial r•vlew
Gross income for 2023-24 was £106,409 compared to the prior year intome of £127,369. The difference is
primarily made up for funding that Festival of Fools was either unsuccessful in applying for or now deemed
ineligible due to changes in the criteria.
Gross expenditure was £106,207 in 2023-24, compared to £90,680 in 2022-23. Thus demonstrating
consistency in the level of expenditure year on year.
Transfer of fund5 for 2023-24 was £2,204.
Donatioris from ihe public Inot other organi5ationsl were similar to the previous year. in spite of the increase
in cost of living and reduction in disposable income many households are experiencing. The audience Survey
results demonstrate how highly the festival is valued and the stable levels of donations year on Ye￿ further
evidence thi5. However. compared to 2018 and 2019 there has been a notable drop in income from public
donations. This is believed to be in part due to the pandemic, the pause in festival activities that happened
a5 a result and the impatt of the early cost of living increases had in 2021>2022. The Trustee5 are aware of
this as a risk and a￿ taking Steps to bolster income and improve financial stability overtime.

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AIARCH 2024
ReseNes
Over recent years, Festival of Fools has begun to build its reseNes and, whilst the position is still modes¢ the
charity is becoming financially more resilient year on year.
In 2024-25 the Trustees will be completing a full review of the reserves Posltion for Festival of Fools and
setting some clear targets for 2025-26 and beyond. The Board recognises that the position has improved in
recent years, but that there is Still some way to go until the organization 15 comfortable and rn0￿ able to
weather the unpredictability of arts funding in the current climate.
The following table captures the reserve5 POSltion for 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Type
2022-23
2023-24
Unrestricted
£62.015
£67,874
Restricted
£9,959
£21,900
Capital l Tangible assets
£17,598
£0
Total
£89,572
£89.774
Risk Register. R15k A55e55ments and Event Safety
Festival of Fools takes a consistent and. where relevant, partnershipled approach to risk assessment, risk
management and event safety.
Strategically Speaking, Festival of Fools has a stringent Risk Register which outlines the key risks to the
organisation and the specific actions detailed to mitigate those risks.
The main categorises of risk identified are- Governance, Operational, Financial. Environment and External
and Compliance.
The risk register is reviewed and discussed at each Board meeting and if additional risks have been identified
they are added at that point and mitigations brought into place immediately after.
The Risk Register is underpinned by the Risk Assessments we complete for operational activities.
The Risk Register has been completely reviewed in Q4 of 2023-24 and was adopted at a Board meeting in
April 2024. Safeguarding and Accident Reports are a standing item at each Board meeting.
In 2021-22 a new Audit and Risk Sub-committee was formed with three members of the Board and the
CEO attending as appropriate. It continued to meet in 2023-24 as needed.
Operationally, in recent years the festival team have presented their Event Management Plan to the City
Council at the Event Safety Advisory Group prior to the main festival event. In addition. they work c105ely
with Belfast City Centre Management Team and the Department for Communities and the Department for
Infrastructure to best ensure high quality and safe use of public spaces over both the main festival weekend
and any other times events are tsking place throughout the year.
Whilst Festival of Fools has its own Public Liability and wider insurance and completes its own risk
assessments and risk register, it asks all perforrners to have their own insurance and to complete and share
their own risk assessments too. This helps to ensure all possible eventualitie5 are taken into account when
planning the event.

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Board review the Risk Register regularly and the Risk and Audit sub-committee tske responsibility for
updating it and making recommendations to the full Board as needed.
Structure. Govemance and Management.
The Trustees who are also Directors for the Purposes of Company Law and who seNed in 2023-24
were..
Laura Kelly Ichairl
G Erskine (Safeguarding lead)
C Traynor (Safeguarding advisor)
A Malone (Treasurer)
R Lynas
S Patterson
Dr. E Adams {Secretaryl (Resigned September 20231
Julie Daly (Resigned November 20231
There are no related parties.
As a Board, we have continued to provide governance and Strategic d1￿ctIOn to the organisation and offer
support when difficulties arise. We continue to pay tribute to our staff and volunteers as well as our
supporters for their contribution to the organisation os we continue to promote and profile the art and skills
of both community and professional and local and international circus artists.
Sadly, we said goodbye to two Board member5, Edward Adams and Julie Daly, in Autumn 2023. 80th had
shown huge commitment to the charity over the years, as trustees and long-term and generou5 SUPPOrters
of Festival of Fools.
For several years, Ed had been Festival of Fools, Secretary. Ed's experiences as a circus parent, his
professional career as an educator and his cère and passion for the work we do combine to mean his
contribution was immeasurable.
Julie, a trained accountant and HR professional, was generous with her expertise and support for the team.
Also a circus parent she was supportive of the challenges we faced and committed to working with the team
and partners to identify solutions.
Both will remain an important part of our history and our on-going story.
Following their resignations the remaining Board made the decision to brin9 forward the recruitment drive,
which took place in Spring 2024. The CEO wa5 tasked with working with Arts and Business Nl to secure vp
to four new Board Member5trrustees by February 2024. Unfortunately no suitable candidates were identified
within this timeframe.

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Training and development of the Board
Opportunities for development, partnership building and more are highlighted throughout the year. These
are in addition to the work the Board do to ensure their knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and
governance are up-to-date. Where appropriate, courses are accessed through Art5 & Business, Co3, Arts
Council Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Community and Voluntary Association, Children in Northern
Ireland and other bodies.
When new Trustee5 are appointed, they undergo a period of shadowing and induction.
The charity holds whole board strategy day5 from time to time that are attended by other key personnel.
The purpose of these days is to scrutinise progress against the strategy, to develop understanding of the
current issues, challenges and priorities and to review in more detail upcoming opportunities.
Pay Policy
Festival of Fools does not currently employ anyone on salary. Where freelancers, artists or others are
employed they are contracted on an hourly, daily or Job, basis. Commonly opportunities are widely
advertised, quotations reqvested and compared.
No trustees are paid for their contribution to the organisation.
Plan5 for the Future
The organisation remains committed to continuing to develop the festival. Thi5 will mean seeking
sustainable, ongoing and recurrent funding to ensure its suNival.
2025 marks the 20th edition of Festival of Fools, so the programme in 2024 was reduced slightly to best
ensure financial certainty for the following year.
The Board believes that the festival resonates with a City that aspires to be recognised as a Cultural City and
a major tourist destination, attracting tourists from across the globe.
We recognise that the whole of the arts sector continues to be in uncertain waters. We commit to working
collectively and collaboratively across the sector so that Festival of Fools can energise the streets of Belfast
long into the future.
The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff, performers and stakeholders who
supported us during the exceptionally difficult period.

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ststement of trustees. responsbilitie5
The Trustees, who are also the director5 of Festival of Fools Ltd for the purpose of company law, are
responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law
and United Kingdom Accounting Stsndards (United Kingdorn Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company Law requires the trustees to Prepa￿ flnancial ststements for each financial year which give a true
and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of
resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently,.
observe the method5 and principles in the Charities SORP.,
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,.
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed. subject to any malerial departures
disclosed and explained in the financial statements,. and
prepare the financial statement5 on the going concern basis unle55 It 15 inappropriate to presume that the
charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclcse with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the finanoal
statement5 comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are a150 responsible for safeguarding the assets of
the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and oth
irregularities.

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
TRUSTEES. REPORT {INCLUDING DIREcfoRS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Dlsdosure of informatlon to auditor
Each of the Trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to
the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have fjJrther confirmed that they have taken appropriate
Steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.
The Trust￿, r•port was approved by ih? Board of Tru$tee&
L Kelly
Trustee

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
Oplnlon
We have audited the financial statements of Festival of Fools Ltd (the 'charity'l for the
year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the
balance sheeL the statement of cash flows and note5 to the financial statements,
including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has
been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting
Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Stèndaro
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland Iunited Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements..
give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31
March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, 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 Companie5 Act
2006.
Basls for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing IUKI
IISAS IUKI} and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are furthef
described in the Auditors respon51bilities for the audit orf the linancii15tJtements
section of cur 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 UL
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 appr¢priate to provide a basis for our
opinion.
10-

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
Conclusions relating to going concem
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees, use of the
going concem basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is
appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties
relating to events or conditions that. individually or collectively, may cast significant
doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least
twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustee5 Wlth respect to going
concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other informatlon
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other
than the financial statements and our auditorfs report thereon. The Trustee5 are
responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion
on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express
any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 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 course of
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 this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements
themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is
material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fart.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
11

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the
Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our
oplnlon:
the information given in the financial ststements is inconsistent in any material
respect with the Trustees, report,. or
sufFicient accounting records have not been kept,. or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records,, or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our
audit.
Responsibilities of Trustees
As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees, responsibilities, the Trustees, who
are 3150 the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for
the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true
and fair view, and for Such internal control a5 the Trustees determine is necessary to
enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material mis5tatemen¢
whether due to fraud or error. In p￿parIng 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 charitable company or to
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
12-

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditors under section 65 of the Charities Act INorthem
Ireland) 2008 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or
having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements as a whole are free from material mi55tatemenC whether due to fraud or
error, and to issue an auditor's report that include5 our opinion. Reasonable assurance is
a high level of a55urance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance
with ISAS {UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatement5
can arise from *raud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of
user5 taken on the basis of these linancial statements.
The extent to which our procedure5 are capable of detecting irregularities, including
fraud, is detailed below.
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the
company through enquiry of management, sector research and the application of
cumulative audit knowledge. We identified the following principal laws and regulations
relevant to the company - Companies Act 2006, Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008
and the Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice
applicable to charitie5 preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial
Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021 (effective 1
January 20191.
We developed an understanding of the key fraud risks to the entity (including how
fraud might occur), the controls in place to help mitigate those risks, and the accounts,
balances and disclosure5 Wlthin the financial 5tstements which may be susceptible to
management bias. Our understanding was obtained through review of the financial
statements for significant accounting estimates, analysis of journal entries, walkthrough
of the key controls cycle5 in place and enquiry of management.
13

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
Our procedures to respond to those risks identified included, but were not limited to..
Enquiry of management, and the entity's solicitors around actual and potential
litigation and claims.
Enquiry of management to identify any instances of non-compliance with laws
and regulations.
Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.
Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting
documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Auditing the risk of managernent override of controls, including through testing
journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, and evaluating the
business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of
business.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting
Council's website at.. https.'//www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description
forms part of our auditoi's report.
14-

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and regulations made
under that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the
charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an
auditors, report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do
not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and
its members as a body, for our audit worl for this report, or for the opinions we have
formed.
6t yb
Teresa Campbell (Senlor Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of AAB Group Accountants Limited
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditors
1 3 Arthur Street
Belfast
Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland
BTI 4GA
11
15-

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Unrestricted Restricted
funds
nds
2024
2024
Totsl Unrestrlcted Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Total
2024
2023
Notes
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other income
16,489
6.825
7,037
16,489
82.883
7,037
29,153
29,153
87,500
10,716
76,058
87,500
10,716
Totsl Income
30,351
76,058
106,409
39,869
87,500
127,369
Expenditure on:
Charitable attivities
22,468
83,739
106,207
8,389
82,291
90,680
Totsl expenditure
22,468
83,739
106,207
8,389
82,291
90,680
Net Income/(exp•ndlture)
7,883
17,6811
202
31,480
5,209
36.689
Transfers between
funds
12,0241
2,024
Net mov•m•nt In
funds
5,859
15,6571
202
31,480
5.209
36,689
Reconclllatlon of funds:
Fund balances at l April 2023
62,015
27,557
89,572
30,535
22,348
52,883
Fund balance5 at 31 March
2024
67,874
21,900
89,774
62,015
27,557
89,572
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recogni5ed in the year. All income and
expenditure derive from continuing activities.

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
BALANCE SHEET
ASA T31 MARCH2024
2024
2023
Notes
Fixed •ssets
Tangible assets
12
13,007
17,598
Current ass•ts
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
13
10,907
71,881
22,100
69,016
82,788
91,116
Credttors: amounts falling due wlthln
one year
14
{6,0211
{19,142)
Net ¢urrent assets
76,767
71,974
Totsl assets leyJ current liabilities
89,774
89,572
The funds of the ¢harity
Restricted income fijnds
Unrestricted funds
17
16
21,900
67,874
27,557
62,015
89,774
89,572

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
ASA T31 MARCH2024
The company is entrtled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the
Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2024, although an Audit has been carried out under sertion
65 of the Charities Act {Northern Ireland) 2008. No member of the company has deposited a notice, pjrsuant
to section 476. requiring an audit of these financial statements under the requirements of the COMP￿leS Att
2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for Complying with the requirements of the Compaiwes Att
2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements under the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006, for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies
subject to the small cornpanies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on
L Kell
TTUStee
Company registration number N1058177 (Northem Ireland)
18-

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
20
2,865
23,503
Net cash uMd In Investing activities
Net <ash used In flnancing activltles
Net In¢r•ase in Cash and cash equlvalent$
2,865
23,503
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
69,016
45,513
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
71,881
69,016
19-

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR EIVDED 31 MARCH 2024
Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements,
estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily
apparent from other sources. The estimates and a550ciated a55umptions are based on historical
experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these
estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing bas15. Revisions to accounting
estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only
that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and
future periods.
Accounting policles
Charity information
Festival of Fools Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The
registered office is 23 Gordorb Street Belfast, Co. Antrim, BTI 2LG, Northern Ireland.
2.1 Accounting conventlon
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governin9 document, the
Companies Act 2006 and "Accour)ting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice
applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102). (as amended for accounting pèriods commencing
from 1 January 20191. The charity Is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statement5 are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary
amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal
accounting policies adopted are sel out below.
2.2 Golng Concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a rèasonable expectation that the
charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the
Trustees continu2 to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
2.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted fund5 are available for use at the dISc￿tion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable
objective5.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantor5 a5 to how they rnay be used.
The purposes and u5e5 of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the
charity.
-20-

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Accounting policles
(Continued)
2.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions hwe been
met, the amo¢Jnt5 can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been
notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax
recoverable in relation to donatlons receNed under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the
time of the donation.
2.S Expendlture
Expenditure 15 recognised once there is a legal or construrtive obligation to make a payment to a third
paty, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measLre
reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings..
Expenditure on charitable activities includes the promotion and development of performing arts
and activities undertaken lo further the purposes of the charity and their support costs.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
2.6 Tangible fixed a55ets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of
depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recogni5ed so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over
their useful lives on the following bases..
Plant and equipment
Fixtures and fitting5
33% Straight Line & 7 Year Straight Line
33% Straight Line & 7 Year Straight Line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale
proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
2.7 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication
exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the
impairment1055 lif any).
2.8 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid
investments Wlth original maturities of three rnonths or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts ¥e
shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
21

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR fHE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Accounting policies
(Continued)
2.9 Financial instruments
The charity ha5 elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Ba5ic Financial Instruments, and Section 12
'Other Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instrument5.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes Party to the
contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offseL with the net amounts presented in the financial statement5, when
there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle
on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
8a*c financi41 assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at
transaction price including transaction cost5 and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the
effective interest method unle55 the arrangement constitute5 a financing transaction, where the
transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipt5 discounted at a market rate of nterest.
Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortlsed.
8a51c financlal Ilabillties
Basic financial liabilities, including creditor5 and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price
unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the
present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified
as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary
course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due
within one year or less. If not, they a￿ presented as non-cvrrent liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised
initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amort15ed cost using the effective interest
method.
Derecognition olfinanoal Ilabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or
cancelled.
-22-

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Donations and legacles
Unrestrlcted
fvnds
Total
2024
2023
Donations and gifts
16,489
29.153
16,489
29,153
The total of £16,489 12023 - £29,153) was all unrestricted.
-23-

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Charitable activltles
20ZII
2023
Performance related grants
82,883
87,500
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
6,825
76,058
82,883
For the year ended 31 March 2023
Restricted funds
87,500
Perfomiance related grants
ACNI Lottery Funding
Belfast City Council
Grants Arts & Business
Cathedral Quarter
The Foyle Foundation
45,688
30,000
370
6,825
25,550
37,500
5,950
8,500
i 0,000
82,883
87,500
The total of £82.883 in 2024 was split as £6,825 unrestricted and £76,058 restricted 12023.. total of
£87,$00 was all restricted).
-24-

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
R>R THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Other Income
Unrestrlcted
funds
Totsl
2024
2023
Other income
7,037
10,716
7,037
10,716

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Charitable activities
Unrestrlcted Re5trlcted
Totsl
2024
Total
2023
2024
2024
Depreciation and impairment
Production
ArtlSts Fees
Insurance
Travel & Subsistence
Accomodation
Bank Charges
Volunteer Expenses
Equipment
Marketing
Design
General
4,591
9,111
42,739
583
1651
5,333
447
10,431
12151
7,567
4,591
11,637
4S,379
891
1,967
5,433
447
4,591
14,232
38,363
889
3.130
2,537
311
9,286
2,526
2,640
308
2,032
1ChJ
1,745
4,525
5,064
12,176
4,310
12,631
12,918
3,528
2,213
5,741
3,423
22,468
82,739
105,207
89,680
Share of govemance costs (see note 71
1,000
1,000
1,000
22,468
83,739
106,207
90,680
Analy515 by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
22,468
22,468
83,739
8,389
82,291
83,739
22,468
83,739
106,207
90,680
For the year ended 31 March 2023
un￿strICted funds
Restricted funds
8,389
82,291
90,680
The total of £90,680 was split £8,389 unrestricted and £82,291 restricted.
-26-

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Support costs allocated to activities
2024
2023
Govemance costs
1,000
1,000
Anal￿d between:
Audit Fees
1,000
1,000
Net movement In funds
2024
2023
The net movement in fund5 15 stated after charging..
Fee5 payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed a55ets
1,000
4,591
4,591
Trustees
None of the Trustees lor any person5 connetted with them) received any remLJneration or benefrt5 from
the charity during the year.
10 Employee5
The average monthly number of employees during the year wa5..
2024
Number
2023
Number
Totsl
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
11 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable
purposes.
-27-

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
12 Tangible fixed asset$
Plant ard Flxtur•s and
equlpm•nt
fitt¥ng5
Tot•1
At 1 April 2023
9,524
15,385
24,909
At 31 March 2024
9,524
15,385
24,909
Depreclatlon •nd Impairment
At l April 2023
Depreciation charged in the year
4,749
2,395
2,562
2,196
7,311
4,591
At 31 March 2024
7,144
4,758
11,902
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
2,380
10.627
13,007
At 31 March 2023
4.775
12,823
17,598
13 Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
520
8,544
1,843
310
20,899
891
10.907
22,11)O
14 Creditor&' amounts falling due wlthln one year
2024
2023
Notes
Deferred Income
Trade creditors
Other credito
Accruals and deferred income
15
14,131
4,011
4,119
902
1,000
6,021
19,142
-28-

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
15 Deferred income
Opening Balance
Incoming
Out90ing Closing
Balance
ACNI
14,131
114,1311
14131
14131
16 Unrestrirted funds
The unrestrlcted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which
are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include
designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustee5 for specific
purposes.
At 1 Aprll
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers At 31 March
2024
General funds
62,01 S
30,351
122,4681
12,0241
67,874
Prevlous year.
At 1 April
2022
Incomlng
resources
Resources
expended
Tr•nsfets At 31 March
2023
General fund5
30,535
39,869
18,3891
62,015
-29-

¢Y)
LD
O Ln
Ln or￿0 N m
J u)
m * rs
¢¢
O M Ui
88
Ln o
it 0> o

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
18 Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
Unrestricted Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are
represented ty.
Tangible assets
Unrestricted Current assets/(liabilitiesl
13,007
54,867
13,007
76,767
21,900
67,874
21,900
89.774
19 Related party transactions
Transactions wlth related partles
During the year the charity entered into the following transartions with related parties:
Festival of Fools entered into transactions With Premiere Circus Limited, a Related Paty. The balance
owed to Festival of Foo15 at the balance Sheet date was £8,500 12023 - £20,0001. Thi5 balance is included
in other debtors as at year end.
20 Cash generated from operations
2024
2023
Surplus for the year
202
36,689
Adjustments for..
Depreciation and impairment of tsngible fixed assets
4,591
4,591
Movements in working capital:
Decreasellincreasel in debtors
Increaselldecreasel in creditors
Decrease in deferred income
11,193
1,010
114,1311
13,1761
(5,4321
(9,1691
Cash generated from operatlons
2,865
23.503
21 Analysis of changes in net funds
The charity had no material debt during the year.
31