Charity registration number NIC103347
BEAT CARNIVAL
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
BEAT CARNIVAL
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Stefanie Campbell
Lucy Dougan
(Appointed 14 August 2023)
Frank Galbraith
Oswyn Paulin
Charity number
NIC103347
Company number
NI027789
Registered office
11-47 Boyd Street
Belfast
BT13 2GU
Auditor
Harbinson Mulholland
6th Floor East Tower
Lanyon Plaza
8 Lanyon Place
Belfast
Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT1 3LP
Bankers
Ulster Bank Limited
Arches Retail Park
Belfast
BT5 4GA
BEAT CARNIVAL
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 11
Independent auditor's report
12 - 15
Statement of financial activities
16 - 17
Balance sheet
18
Statement of cash flows
19
Notes to the financial statements
20 - 30
BEAT CARNIVAL
TRUSTEES' REPORT  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 1 -

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements 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 Charities Act 2011 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

 

WHAT THE ORGANISATION DOES

 

Beat Carnival is Northern Ireland’s foremost and long-standing Carnival Arts company. We create carnival parades and outdoor arts performances. The first city-centre parades were in 1995. We encourage our city of Belfast and communities across the country to think big about celebrating creative, community life in ways that are ambitious and welcoming to all. Beat’s specialisms include carnival arts of drumming, dance, making (floats, puppets, props, costume), music, street theatre performance, children’s arts and crafts. There is no other carnival arts organisation of the scale, activity, history or influence in Northern Ireland. Beat Carnival has introduced many of the artform techniques and trained many of the artists now working across the country.

 

We provide participation and training programmes and have extensive experience of work with community organisations. People gain new skills, connections and individual support at weekly activity programmes in Beat Carnival Centre and through extensive outreach. Carnival arts bring new sources of creativity to Northern Ireland’s traditional experience of cultural parades and street music. Carnival arts, outdoors in public spaces with people from diverse backgrounds, are experienced in ways that are culturally inclusive. The organisation’s involvement in a wide range of networks, locally and internationally, increases diversity of relationships and shared benefits. Beat Carnival’s activity is provided free of charge to participants and audience so that barriers to access and engagement are as low as possible. Ease of access is one of the ways that the activity increases equality of opportunity.

 

Beat Carnival Centre with its programme of arts creation, education, training, community outreach and events production, provides a focal point for anyone interested in the development of carnival arts. Artists design, create, rehearse, teach and train at the Centre. The Carnival Centre’s work makes a special contribution to festivals, community celebrations and civic events. Importantly, the premises and its activity provide an accessible, supportive and ‘safe space’, particularly for young people. Participants at Beat’s weekly programme of open-access workshops range in age from four to over 65 years. Six or seven evening sessions operate each week at the Centre. Public audience at Beat’s free events gain enjoyment and an increased sense of community pride and connection. In 2023-2024 Beat Carnival provided 1,078 benefit activities (workshops, artist sessions, events) for 140,510 beneficiaries.

 

VISION, MISSION STATEMENT AND VALUE BASE

 

Vision

 

The vision for Beat Carnival’s work with artists, their audiences, the community, individual participants and young people is of a:

“vibrant, colourful, creative and welcoming society”.

 

Beat Carnival will aim to achieve this through their organisational vision of being:

“the leaders in excellence of Carnival artforms”.

 

Mission

 

The Beat Carnival’s mission statement is to:

“Make accessible and spectacular Carnival, leaving a legacy of creative skills, collaboration, participation and celebration”.

 

 

 

BEAT CARNIVAL
TRUSTEES' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 2 -

Values

 

Beat Carnival operates to a set of core values.

 

PROVIDING PUBLIC BENEFIT

 

PUBLIC BENEFIT PURPOSES

 

 

2023 – 24 PURPOSE

 

 

WHAT HAPPENED IN 2023-2024

 

Direct benefits provided by Beat Carnival’s activities in 23-24 included new awareness of, and participation in, creative activities for individuals, for groups and communities and for the general public. Free-access, collaborative, carnival arts activities fostered good relations and animation of public and neighbourhood spaces, including spaces that have been or are contested or controlled by factions. The public spaces where arts activity took place were made more welcoming for all. Beat Carnival’s activity increased interest in arts in young people and under-engaged groups. The activity improved access to information and expertise about arts for excluded people and communities.

 

BEAT CARNIVAL
TRUSTEES' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 3 -

In areas that are deemed ‘disadvantaged’ it inspired ambition and enabled personal achievement and pride. Beat created developmental partnerships with community groups and other arts companies, to increase representation, knowledge sharing, skills sharing, specialist support, capacity building and the promotion of shared values. Beat’s safe, imaginative and attractive arts and cultural activity resulted in people, many of them being children and young people, engaging with others. Pleasure and fun were gained through the programmes. Children and young people benefited from emotional growth, personal development and increased social skills. Participants, both individuals and groups, were better equipped to make positive changes in their lives. Social connections were enabled in a year of damaging isolation and more people took positive action on issues. An important benefit of Beat Carnival’s activity was significantly increased support of young people, through implementation of a long-term Youth Development programme.

 

Activity development and performance highlights over the year:

 

 

BEAT CARNIVAL
TRUSTEES' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 4 -
BEAT CARNIVAL
TRUSTEES' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 5 -
BEAT CARNIVAL
TRUSTEES' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 6 -

Beat provides value for money by careful costing, recycling materials and having a high level of voluntary contribution.

 

Beat Carnival complies with legislative regulations laid out in Equal Opportunities legislation, the Disability Discrimination Act and the Children’s Order, GDPR and other appropriate legislation. Beat Carnival Policies include: a Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy, a Health and Safety Policy, Community Relations Policy, Harassment Policy, Equal Opportunities Policy and Privacy Policy.

 

Staff Training

Staff and freelance artists received Carbon Literacy Training; Arts and Dementia training; LGBTQIA+ Awarness; Autisim Awareness training. Board received Governance training

 

Staff Changes

Advertised for Strategic Coordinator post. No applicants.

 

Risk Statement

Further to the above management statements, the trustees identify the major risks to which the charity is exposed each financial year when preparing and updating a strategic plan, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity. The trustees then review any major risks that have been identified and establish systems to mitigate those risks. The charity is satisfied that the systems are in place to mitigate their exposure to the major risks that have been so identified and reviewed. The charity is open to the usual financial risks of any organisation, and the charity has introduced controls to minimise these risks, such as two signatures being required for payments from the bank account. In addition, the accounts are regularly explained to members of the charity and are open for member's inspection at any time. Identified risks include: Strategic, Financial, Governance, People, Reputation, IT and Data, Health & Safety, Assets.

 

The Beat Carnival Centre building

There were issues of concern with repairs needed to Beat Carnival Centre, Northern Ireland’s unique arts creation facility. We think the asset is an important, unique asset in the Northern Ireland and Belfast arts ‘ecosystem’ and should be safeguarded and developed for greater benefit. In this period we undertook further repairs to some of the widespread water ingress. The biggest improvement was in accessibility and inclusion, with the new automatic entrance from Gardener Street to the arts activity room and an adjacent disability accessible toilet.

 

• FUTURE BUSINESS & PLANNING, ARTISTIC PLANNING & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

 

Five Programme Elements planned to deliver Beat's 2024-2025 goals and outcomes, engaging 2,000 children, young people and adults in around 400 arts activities; 36 free-of-charge events in public spaces attract 123,000 audience. 2024-25 programme follows from Beat's extensive development work in 2023-24 involving stakeholders and strategy consultant. Activity is entirely aligned to Beat's strategic purpose and supports ACNI's five objectives.

 

The programme has seven strategic focus areas to deliver best possible impact for our communities, audiences and artists:

BEAT CARNIVAL
TRUSTEES' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 7 -

2024-2025 context

 

We are proud to operate in the arts ecosystem of Belfast, Northern Ireland, and beyond into Europe. The context factors for Beat are vast due to the breadth of work we deliver.

 

Creativity infrastructure. Beat Carnival Centre provides unique infrastructure of people and facilities for sustaining access; authentic, creative authorship; diversity and ambition in NI’s arts and culture ecosystem. Beat’s resilience is proven in the context of reducing arts and culture funding and increasing costs: in 24-25 we will focus on developing our sustainability model through arts service level agreements, new commercial income products, business collaboration and CSR support – in addition to delivery through beneficially collaborative arts partnerships. Beat has plans for premises improvement to safeguard the building fabric and to increase accessibility for all. We have discussed with ACNI the need for specialist assistance to make progress.

 

Needs. Arts sector, artist and civic-social needs are well understood anecdotally and through Beat’s long working experience. In 2021-2023 we undertook intensive community and arts consultations and employed researchers, including a team position, to provide researched findings that we will reflect and act on in 24-25. Participatory Action Research has informed Beat’s planning as presented here. Beat will continue the reflective and developmental research process, including training with community artists.

 

We have programmes for Transition through company leadership succession; 'green carnival' methodology for environmental benefit through creative action; inclusion and health through SEN Carnival (special educational needs) the enlarged empowering youth programme and international Cultural Transformation Movement.

 

Legacy. Beat has created a vast legacy of trained artists, ambitious communities, expectant audiences, pleased partners and enthusiastic goodwill. The 2024-25 programme
will capitalise on and further develop this legacy benefit for all, through collaborations locally and internationally.

 

2024-2025 in our wider context, the pivotal years to 2027

 

Transition, succession, beginnings and growth

 

Our strategy, from 2023 to 2027 outlines the priorities for Beat as it enters a new, exciting and bold phase. As the founding and leading team plan to retire in 2025, the programme here enables Beat Carnival to transition, grow and increase its impact in the face of change.

​​

2024 and 2025 require programmes of organisational development as Beat looks to build sustained resilience to the coming changes, whilst 2025 will have a phased transition into a new leadership structure and team. In 2026 to 2027 Beat will embed this new team and continue to excel in delivering exceptional experiences and carnivals for communities. 

 

2023 focused on organisational understanding, who we are, who we serve, what our purpose is, what we’re good at and where we want to excel in the future to continue to serve our community.

​​

2024 is the year of preparation​​

A programme of transition, ensuring our organisation is stable and resilient through strategic investments, and that our programme delivery can thrive.

​​

2025 The year of change​​

A new leader takes the helm, with a planned, overlapping transition that allows for our team to adapt to changes and deliver exceptional programmes and reach new and existing audiences.​​ 2026 the year of new beginnings​​, with new leadership, refined processes and programmes. 2027 will be the year of new opportunity and growth​​.

Financial review

The Statement of Financial Activities on page 16 reports on the charitable activities in brief with an expanded analysis in the notes on pages 19 - 28 to the accounts. It shows the overall source and application of funds. the Charity had net income resources as at 31 March 2024 of £50,935 (2023: £28,385)

 

 

 

BEAT CARNIVAL
TRUSTEES' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 8 -
Reserves policy

The Beat Carnival company is limited by guarantee and it has no share capital. As a charitable organisation as well as a limited company, Beat has the difficulty of attempting to meet the requirement of expending funds in line with charitable objectives, as well as maintaining a solvent company that can meet unforeseen circumstances. To this end and as part of the Business and Development planning, Beat has a Reserves Policy that outlines the rationale for holding reserves. Beat will aim to maintain organisational reserves at a level that equates to at least 50% of annual administration overheads to allow it to deal with loss of funding or other major shocks. Although Beat may not be in a position to maintain this level of free reserves at a particular point in time, it should strive to achieve a reserve that equates to this level.

 

Reserves structure

Complying with statutory and best practice guidelines, Beat reserves are split into the following categories.

 

1. Unrestricted funds

 

Funds that currently have no known specific current or future purpose. These are kept to a minimum to ensure the Beat is maximising the use of its available resources. These funds will be available to respond to unknown risks and opportunities. Unrestricted funds can be spent on anything that furthers the objectives of the organisation; the money has been generated through the sale of services or expertise, hires, or public fundraising or donations.

 

2. Designated (Unrestricted) Reserves — Business Risks & Working Capital

 

The Business Risks & Working Capital fund includes allocation towards the on-going working capital requirements for project and grant funding received in arrears.

 

It is proposed that these reserves should also take into account any unforeseen external risks, over which Beat has no control. Such risks included the following:

 

These reserves are expendable at the discretion of the directors.

 

3. Designated (Unrestricted) Reserves — Specified Purpose

 

If part of an unrestricted fund is ear-marked for a particular project, it may be designated as a separate fund. This may be designated for a project that Beat is seeking to build resources for. Designation does not restrict the board members and they can change their minds. The designation will be recorded in the minutes of a board meeting, as will any subsequent re-designation. A number of designated funds may exist at any one time. Any transfer between funds and allocations to or from designated funds, as well as the reasons for setting up a fund, will be explained. The current specified funds are:

BEAT CARNIVAL
TRUSTEES' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 9 -

4. Restricted Reserves

 

Funds that have been given for particular purposes and projects. Within Beat this reserve usually relates to specific grant funding received in advance. This reserve will be maintained at the level required by the stipulations of the grant awarding bodies. The level of the reserve will be calculated and agreed on an annual basis as part of the process of preparation of annual financial statements. The annual review should include an analysis of whether any of the stipulations have expired, therefore allowing the release of funds to an unrestricted reserve. The directors will undertake to ensure that all restricted funds are solely utilised in accordance with the terms of their being granted.

 

The first two items are 'Unrestricted Reserves', as they are not subject to any restriction in law.

 

Beat's Board will review the reserve strategy on an ongoing basis in order to ensure its relevance to current business circumstances and risks. A fund designated for Succession has been added in this year's reserves accounts.

Major risks

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks,

Risk Statement

Further to the above management statements, the trustees identify the major risks to which the charity is exposed each financial year when preparing and updating a strategic plan, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity. The trustees then review any major risks that have been identified and establish systems to mitigate those risks. The charity is satisfied that the systems are in place to mitigate their exposure to the major risks that have been so identified and reviewed. The charity is open to the usual financial risks of any organisation, and the charity has introduced controls to minimise these risks, such as two signatures being required for payments from the bank account. In addition, the accounts are regularly explained to members of the charity and are open for member's inspection at any time. Identified risks include: Strategic, Financial, Governance, People, Reputation, IT and Data, Health & Safety, Assets.

Structure, governance and management

Beat Carnival is a registered Charity (NIC103347 and HMRC XR 82700) constituted as a Company Limited by Guarantee and is therefore governed by Articles of Association. The directors of the company are also trustees of the charity. Eligibility for membership of the charity, and membership of the board of trustees is governed by the Articles of Association.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Stefanie Campbell
Lucy Dougan
(Appointed 14 August 2023)
Frank Galbraith
Oswyn Paulin
Jonathan Hodge
(Resigned 5 October 2023)
William McFarlane
(Resigned 4 March 2024)
Deirdre McKenna
(Resigned 10 June 2024)
Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Members: Subscribers are members of the company. Others must apply for membership and be approved by the directors. A member may withdraw by giving written notice, unless there would be only two members remaining.

 

Directors: Number shall not be less than 3; there is no maximum number.

 

Appointment of directors: the company may by ordinary resolution appoint a director. A director may resignoffice by notice to the company.

 

BEAT CARNIVAL
TRUSTEES' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 10 -

Company Operations And Project Management

Beat has a long-term Strategic Plan and an annual Operational Plan. Its projects operate within that framework. Projects are managed through Project Plans with timelines and Project Teams. The project budget is monitored and adjusted as necessary to ensure that spend does not exceed the project income. Beat produces detailed risk assessment for events.

 

Beat targets recruitment and publicity to ensure that a wide cross-section of people get involved in the company and its programmes.

 

Beat's Director presents a monthly financial report to the company Board. Beat operates separate cost centres on SAGE.

 

Beat's financial statements are subject to a full financial audit at the end of each financial year. Beat management and Board of Directors regularly review financial procedures. Beat operates procurement policy and has a select list of suppliers that is updated at the end of each financial year.

 

Beat provides value for money by careful costing, recycling materials and having a high level of voluntary contribution.

 

Beat Carnival complies with legislative regulations laid out in Equal Opportunities legislation, the Disability Discrimination Act and the Children's Order, GDPR and other appropriate legislation. Beat Carnival Policies include: a Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy, a Health and Safety Policy, Community Relations Policy, Harassment Policy, Equal Opportunities Policy and Privacy Policy.

The organisational structure and how decisions are made

The board of directors/trustees meets 6 times a year as a full board. It has established sub groups that discuss the activities of the charity in terms of finance, premises, staffing and programming. The subgroups make recommendations to the board and monitor operational activities. Staff have delegated authority to carry out day to day work within policies agreed by the board. Financial standing orders give necessary authorisation of different amounts.

The policies and procedures adopted for the Induction and training of directors/trustees

Prior to being elected, nominees are invited to a Board meeting. as well as visiting the premises. to meet trustees and members of staff. All new directors are provided with an information pack containing details of the articles of association, reserves, financial performance to date, budget insurance cover and marketing plan.

Setting Of Staff Salaries

Salaries for posts are set according to the benchmark NJC Salary Scales, widely used in the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland and endorsed and used by NICVA, the voluntary sector umbrella body. The NJC payscales are local government payscales resulting from negotiations between the employer and trade union sides of the National Joint CounciL The benchmark or point of comparison that was used when considering the salary for the posts, was selected through review and recommendation by an external HR consultant, aligned to guidance produced by NICVA and agreed by the Beat Carnival Trustees.

Relationships between the charity and related parties, including its subsidiaries

The charity has a social enterprise subsidiary (Beat Trading Ltd) with which it has many transactions and a

controlling interest. The only other related parties are trustees and there are no transactions with them

 

 

 

 

BEAT CARNIVAL
TRUSTEES' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 11 -
Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

 

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.

 

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

 

- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

 

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that 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 Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Auditor

In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Harbinson Mulholland be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

Disclosure of information 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 further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Stefanie Campbell
Trustee
20 December 2024
BEAT CARNIVAL
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF BEAT CARNIVAL
- 12 -

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Beat Carnival (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes 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 Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

-

give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 31 March 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 Charities Act (NI) 2008.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees 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 a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

BEAT CARNIVAL
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF BEAT CARNIVAL
- 13 -

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

-

the information given in the trustees' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared, which includes the directors' report prepared for the purposes of company law, is consistent with the financial statements; and

-

the directors' report included within the trustees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report included within the trustees' report.

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 opinion:

-

the information given in the financial statements 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 are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

 

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

BEAT CARNIVAL
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF BEAT CARNIVAL
- 14 -

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

 

We focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, including Companies Act 2006, taxation legislation, data protection, anti-bribery, employment, environmental and health and safety legislation

 

We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

 

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

 

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

 

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

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

BEAT CARNIVAL
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF BEAT CARNIVAL
- 15 -

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Angela Craigan (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Harbinson Mulholland
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
6th Floor East Tower
Lanyon Plaza
Belfast
Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT1 3LP
20 December 2024

Harbinson Mulholland is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

BEAT CARNIVAL
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 16 -
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
general
designated
2024
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
-
47,772
-
47,772
2,636
49,355
-
51,991
Charitable activities
4
26,019
-
323,587
349,606
11,207
-
263,929
275,136
Investments
5
5,445
-
-
5,445
1,380
-
-
1,380
Total income
31,464
47,772
323,587
402,823
15,223
49,355
263,929
328,507
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
23,970
50,225
278,110
352,305
12,298
25,448
262,082
299,828
Other expenditure
10
383
-
-
383
294
-
-
294
Total expenditure
24,353
50,225
278,110
352,688
12,592
25,448
262,082
300,122
Net income/(expenditure)
7,111
(2,453)
45,477
50,135
2,631
23,907
1,847
28,385
Transfers between funds
(2,234)
2,234
-
-
-
-
-
-
Net movement in funds
4,877
(219)
45,477
50,135
2,631
23,907
1,847
28,385
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
8,475
410,415
336,736
755,626
5,844
386,508
334,889
727,241
Fund balances at 31 March 2024
13,352
410,196
382,213
805,761
8,475
410,415
336,736
755,626
BEAT CARNIVAL
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 17 -

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

BEAT CARNIVAL
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
31 March 2024
- 18 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
339,220
343,341
Current assets
Debtors
13
29,231
15,957
Cash at bank and in hand
451,881
417,226
481,112
433,183
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
14
(14,571)
(20,898)
Net current assets
466,541
412,285
Total assets less current liabilities
805,761
755,626
Net assets
805,761
755,626
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
16
382,213
336,736
Unrestricted funds - general
13,352
8,475
Unrestricted funds - designated
17
410,196
410,415
805,761
755,626
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 20 December 2024
Stefanie Campbell
Trustee
BEAT CARNIVAL
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 19 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations
20
42,604
(47,042)
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(13,393)
(37,907)
Investment income received
5,445
347
Net cash used in investing activities
(7,948)
(36,527)
Net cash used in financing activities
-
-
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
34,656
10,515
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
417,226
406,710
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
451,881
417,226
BEAT CARNIVAL
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 20 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

Beat Carnival is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is 11-47-Boyd Street, Belfast, County Antrim BT13 2GU, Northern Ireland

 

 

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011, 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 charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements 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, [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 trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3
Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees 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 charity.
1.4
Income
Income is recognised when the charity 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 charity 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 charity 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.
BEAT CARNIVAL
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 21 -
1.5
Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

 

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

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:

Freehold land and buildings
2% straight line
Plant and equipment
20% straight line
Fixtures and fittings
20% straight line
Motor vehicles
25% 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 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 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 charity 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 charity's balance sheet when the charity 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.

BEAT CARNIVAL
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 22 -
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.

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 charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10
Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

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

1.11
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2
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 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.

BEAT CARNIVAL
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 23 -
3
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Total
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
general
designated
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
-
47,772
47,772
2,636
49,355
51,991
4
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Charitable activities

Sale of goods

22,146
3,316
25,462
7,394
-
7,394
Performance related grants
-
320,271
320,271
-
263,929
263,929
Charitable rental income
3,690
-
3,690
3,770
-
3,770
Other income
183
-
183
43
-
43
26,019
323,587
349,606
11,207
263,929
275,136
Performance related grants analysis
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
2024
2023
£
£
Arts Council Core & Programme Funding
143,138
154,248
Belfast City Council Multi Annual Funding
33,000
33,000
DFC/BCC Access & Inclusing (Capital)
-
30,000
Children in Need
-
10,500
Erasmus+
12,835
16,169
PRS Foundation
9,000
-
The National Lottery Community Fund
71,171
-
Dormant Accounts
24,450
-
BCC Other
21,677
-
ACNI
5,000
-
Other
-
20,012
320,271
263,929
BEAT CARNIVAL
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 24 -
5
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Interest receivable
5,445
1,380
6
Expenditure on charitable activities
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
2024
2023
£
£
Direct costs

Artist, Performer and Tutor Fees

79,915
60,284

Venue Rental

1,089
460

Crew/Production Management

1,725
8,159

Travel & Subsistence

7,171
1,494

Skills Training

1,061
747

Programme Co-Ordination

23,362
3,561

Event Services

4,644
803

Publicity/Marketing

4,342
1,391

Materials

4,285
9,933

Evaluation & Consultancy

5,108
-
132,702
86,832
Share of support and governance costs (see note 7)
Support
200,767
193,035
Governance
18,836
19,961
352,305
299,828
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
23,970
12,298
Unrestricted funds - designated
50,225
25,448
Restricted funds
278,110
262,082
352,305
299,828
BEAT CARNIVAL
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 25 -
7
Support costs allocated to activities
2024
2023
£
£
Staff costs
137,448
131,280
Depreciation
17,515
16,202
Office expenses
13,536
15,403
Motor expenses
3,032
4,841
Printing, postage & stationery
2,238
2,561
Repairs & maintenance
16,735
10,908
Computer maintenance
2,787
3,682
Insurance
5,834
4,971
Training & recruitment
1,031
1,672
Subscrtipions & memberships
611
1,515
Governance costs
18,836
19,961
219,603
212,996
Analysed between:
Charitable activities
219,603
212,996
2024
2023
Governance costs comprise:
£
£
Audit and accountancy fees
3,610
4,440
Legal and professional
15,226
15,521
18,836
19,961
8
Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
9
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
3
3
BEAT CARNIVAL
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
9
Employees
(Continued)
- 26 -
Employment costs
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
122,740
108,941
Social security costs
8,132
7,986
Other pension costs
6,576
14,353
137,448
131,280
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:

2024
2023
£
£
Aggregate compensation
108,045
102,203
10
Other expenditure
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Financing costs
383
294
11
Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

BEAT CARNIVAL
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 27 -
12
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Fixtures and fittings
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2023
377,253
50,240
64,592
45,760
537,845
Additions
-
13,393
-
-
13,393
At 31 March 2024
377,253
63,633
64,592
45,760
551,238
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
55,256
36,023
57,464
45,760
194,503
Depreciation charged in the year
7,545
7,501
2,469
-
17,515
At 31 March 2024
62,801
43,524
59,933
45,760
212,018
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
314,452
20,109
4,659
-
339,220
At 31 March 2023
321,997
14,217
7,127
-
343,341

 

13
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
3,222
-
Other debtors
25,057
15,212
Prepayments and accrued income
952
745
29,231
15,957
14
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Trade creditors
3,224
(268)
Other creditors
4,935
14,695
Accruals and deferred income
6,412
6,471
14,571
20,898
15
Retirement benefit schemes
2024
2023
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
6,576
14,353
BEAT CARNIVAL
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
15
Retirement benefit schemes
(Continued)
- 28 -

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

16
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.

At 1 April 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
Arts Council Commission
5,000
5,000
(10,000)
-
Arts Council Capital
292,803
-
(6,986)
285,817
Arts Council Core & Programme
-
143,138
(143,138)
-
Arts Council Equipment Grant
5,308
-
(3,522)
1,786
Belfast City Council Arts & Heritage
-
14,177
-
14,177
Belfast City Council CFF
-
7,500
(7,500)
-
Belfast City Council MAF
-
33,000
(33,000)
-
The National Lotter Community Fund
-
71,171
(46,883)
24,288
Children in Need
5,701
-
(5,701)
-
DFC/BCC Access & Inclusion (Capital)
29,948
-
(600)
29,348
Dormant Accounts
-
24,450
(796)
23,654
Eramus+
(2,024)
12,835
(10,811)
-
PRS Foundation
-
9,000
(9,000)
-
Samba Masterclass
-
3,316
(173)
3,143
336,736
323,587
(278,110)
382,213

Restricted funds are legacies and donations received for specified purposes within the overall aims of the Charity.

17
Unrestricted funds - designated

These are unrestricted funds which are material to the charity's activities.

At 1 April 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
£
Working Capital Fund
150,000
47,772
(50,225)
12,453
160,000
Building Development Fund
140,000
-
-
(10,000)
130,000
Redundancies Fund
40,500
-
-
-
40,500
Succession Strategy Fund
60,000
-
-
(15,304)
44,696
Beat Carnival Events Fund
19,915
-
-
15,085
35,000
410,415
47,772
(50,225)
2,234
410,196
BEAT CARNIVAL
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
17
Unrestricted funds - designated
(Continued)
- 29 -

Unrestricted funds comprise those funds which the Management Committee are free to use in accordance with the organisation's objectives.

Working Capital Fund - allocated towards the ongoing capital requirements for project and grant funding received in arears

Building Development Fund - allocated to allow for maintenance and repair risks and for accrued depreciation

Redundancies Fund - allocated to provide for potential redundancy costs

Strategic Development and Succession Fund - allocated to Strategic Development and Succession

Events Fund - allocated towards events held

18
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 1 April 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
8,475
31,464
(24,353)
(2,234)
13,352
Previous year:
At 1 April 2022
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 March 2023
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
5,844
15,223
(12,592)
-
8,475
19
Related party transactions

The charity received a donation of £47,772 (2023: £49,355) from Beat Trading Limited, a company limited by guarantee whose only member is Beat Carnival. The amount due in respect of this donation at the year end was £Nil (2022: £Nil)

20
Cash generated from operations
2024
2023
£
£
Surplus for the year
50,135
28,385
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(5,445)
(1,380)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
17,515
16,202
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(13,274)
15,733
(Decrease) in creditors
(6,327)
(11,898)
Cash generated from operations
42,604
47,042
BEAT CARNIVAL
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 30 -
21
Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no material debt during the year.

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