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2025-03-31-accounts

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31

Charity registration number NIC106859 (Northern Ireland) Company registration number NI637410

BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Members J Harmar-Smith
K Gordon
I H Lindsay
B McGeown
R McNair
Mr A J Kirby
Dr J Licinic Van (Appointed 20 July 2024)
Walstijn
Charity number NIC106859
Company number NI637410
Registered office Crescent Arts Centre
2-4 University Road
Belfast
Co Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT7 1NH
Independent examiner HM Chartered Accountants
6th Floor East Tower
Lanyon Plaza
8 Lanyon Place
Belfast
Co. Antrim
BT1 3LP
Bankers Danske Bank
Donegall Square West
Belfast
Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT1 6JS

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

CONTENTS

Page
Members' report 1 - 2
Independent examiner's report 3
Statement of financial activities 4
Statement of financial position 5
Notes to the financial statements 6 - 12

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

MEMBERS' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Members present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

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 Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting 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) (effective 1 January 2019)".

Objectives and activities

Belfast Music Society exists to present chamber music concerts, which it has been doing since 1921, and as such meets the public benefit test by encouraging the playing and appreciation of chamber music.

The Members have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Society should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Belfast Music Society has presented an Annual International Festival of Chamber Music at Queen's University Belfast since 2005, consolidating the previous long-running subscription series into a single event. Over the years, BMS's season has grown to include the Northern Lights Mini-Fest, Night Music, Chamber Babies & Cherubs, and a diverse programme of education and outreach activities. In recent seasons, we further expanded our offerings to include BMS CHILL, a series of classical music concerts tailored for people with additional needs, facilitated by RiChmusicNI, specialists in music education for individuals with special needs.

The 2024-2025 season marked an exciting return to a full slate of live performances. The International Festival of Chamber Music showcased world-class musicians such as Francesca Dego & Francesca Leonardi and The Chiaroscuro Quartet captivating audiences with a blend of technical brilliance and emotive performances.

Our Northern Lights Mini-Fest featured an eclectic programme including The Savage Five, The Fidelio Trio and Music & Stories with Dr Anthony Capparelli, Liz Weir & Colin Urwin combining classical traditions with contemporary perspectives.

Education and community engagement also took centre stage, with our Chamber Babies & Cherubs concerts continuing to inspire young audiences, while workshops and masterclass initiatives connected students with chamber music in creative and accessible ways.

This vibrant season demonstrated the resilience and evolution of Belfast Music Society, ensuring chamber music remains a vital and inspiring presence in the cultural life of Belfast.

Financial review

The Statement of Financial Activities for the year is set out on page 4. The accumulated funds decreased by £2,224 to £66,117 ( 2024: £68,341).

Reserves policy

The Society's policy is to retain a level of free reserves to enable it to stage next year’s International Festival which will take place in March. As the Society is primarily publicly funded through the Arts Council for Northern Ireland, there is a risk to future funding from, among other things, a change in public policy, and our reserves are held to cover this eventuality.

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

MEMBERS' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Risk management

The Members have overall responsibility for ensuring that the Society has in place an appropriate system of controls, financial and otherwise, to provide reasonable assurance that:

The major risks to which the Society is exposed, as identified by the Society members, have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks.

Structure, governance and management

Belfast Music Society operated since 1921 as an unincorporated association, but incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee on 29 March 2016. The Society is governed and managed by a Board. The term of office for Officers is four years which is renewable, but no Officer may serve for more than eight years without a break. Board members also serve a four-year term which is renewable once.

The Members, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

J Harmar-Smith

K Gordon I H Lindsay B McGeown R McNair Mr A J Kirby Dr J Licinic Van Walstijn (Appointed 20 July 2024)

Statement of society members' responsibilities

The Society members are responsible for preparing the Society's annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The Members' report was approved by the Board of Members.

.............................. .............................. K Gordon Dr J Licinic Van Walstijn Chair Chair Dated: ......................... 07/10/2025 Dated:......................... 07/10/2025

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

I report on the financial statements of the Society for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 4 to 12.

Respective responsibilities of charity Members and examiner

As the charity Members (and also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Society are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

I have examined your charity financial statements as required under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also 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 giving me cause to believe that:

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination and I have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.

HM Chartered Accountants

6th Floor East Tower Lanyon Plaza 8 Lanyon Place Belfast Co. Antrim BT1 3LP Date: ............................

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
540
-
Charitable activities
4
8,403
40,454
Investments
5
605
-
Total income
9,548
40,454
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
1,850
37
Charitable activities
7
6,795
43,544
Total expenditure
8,645
43,581
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
903
(3,127)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
64,718
3,623
Fund balances at 31 March
2025
65,621
496		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
540
991
-
48,857
15,057
46,949
605
-
-
50,002
16,048
46,949
1,887
31
1,760
50,339
17,731
49,251
52,226
17,762
51,011
(2,224)
(1,714)
(4,062)
68,341
66,432
7,685
66,117
64,718
3,623		 Total
2024
£
991
62,006
-
62,997
1,791
66,982
68,773
(5,776)
74,117
68,341

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
13
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the Society
Restricted income funds
14
Unrestricted funds
15		 2025
£
2,023
72,387
74,410
(8,894)		 £
601
65,516
66,117
496
65,621
66,117		 2024
£
21,227
45,774
67,001
(2,387)		 £
3,727
64,614
68,341
3,623
64,718
68,341

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The Directors/Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements 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 companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Members on .........................

.............................. ..............................
K Gordon Dr J Licinic Van Walstijn
Trustee Chair

Company registration number NI637410 (Northern Ireland)

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Belfast Music Society Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT7 1NH, Northern Ireland.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Society's articles of association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting 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)" (effective 1 January 2019). The Society is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Society has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

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

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Members have a reasonable expectation that the Society has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Members continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Members in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses 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 Society.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the Society is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts 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 Society has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Society has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Computers

33% 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.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the Society 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 impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The Society has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Society's balance sheet when the Society becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, 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.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors 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 are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Society’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Society’s accounting policies, the Members 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 associated assumptions 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 basis. 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.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
540
-
Other
-
-
540
-		 Total
Unrestricted
funds
2025
2024
£
£
540
973
-
18
540
991		 Total
Unrestricted
funds
2025
2024
£
£
540
973
-
18
540
991
991

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

4 Income from charitable activities

5
6		 Charitable
activities
Charitable
activities
2025
2024
£
£
Grant income
40,454
46,949
BBC Fees
1,362
2,047
Income from BIAF
-
2,090
Ticket sales
7,041
7,420
Commission
-
3,500
48,857
62,006
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
8,403
15,057
Restricted funds
40,454
46,949
48,857
62,006
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Interest receivable
605
-
Raising funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
2025
2025
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Office costs
610
-
610
232
Bank charges
29
-
29
31
Other fundraising costs
1,211
37
1,248
1,528
1,850
37
1,887
1,791

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7 Charitable activities

Charitable
Charitable
Expenditure Expenditure
2025 2024
£ £
Depreciation and impairment 3,127 3,557
Artists fees and travel costs 15,830 36,413
Concert manager fees and expenses 30,482 26,052
Accountancy 900 960
50,339 66,982
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 6,795 17,731
Restricted funds 43,544 49,251
50,339 66,982

8 Members

None of the Members (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Society during the year.

9 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
Total - -

10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

11
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2024
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 March 2025
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
12
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Prepayments and accrued income
13
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Accruals and deferred income		 Computers
£
14,940
14,940
11,212
3,127
14,339
601
3,727
2025
2024
£
£
2,023
21,227
2025
2024
£
£
8,894
2,387		 Computers
£
14,940
14,940
11,212
3,127
14,339
601
3,727
2025
2024
£
£
2,023
21,227
2025
2024
£
£
8,894
2,387
14,940
11,212
3,127
14,339
601
3,727
2024
£
21,227
2024
£
2,387

14 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Movement in funds Movement in funds
Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at
1 April 2024 resources expended
31		 March 2025
£ £ £ £
ACNI - Grant funding - 40,454 (40,454) -
ACNI - Grant funding capital items 3,623 - (3,127) 496
3,623 40,454 (43,581) 496

Draft Financial Statements at 06 October 2025 at 15:35:31 BELFAST MUSIC SOCIETY LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

15 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted 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 trustees for specific purposes.

At
General funds
Previous year:
At
General funds
Analysis of net assets between funds
At 31 March 2025:
Tangible assets
Current assets/(liabilities)
At 31 March 2024:
Tangible assets
Current assets/(liabilities)		 1 April
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31 March
2025
£
£
£
£
64,718
9,548
(8,645)
65,621
1 April
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31 March
2024
£
£
£
£
66,432
16,048
(17,762)
64,718
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
105
496
601
65,516
-
65,516
65,621
496
66,117
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
104
3,623
3,727
64,614
-
64,614
64,718
3,623
68,341

16 Analysis of net assets between funds

17 Events after the reporting date

There have been no material events, occurring after the reporting date that require adjustments to or disclosure in the financial statements.