FREEDOM FESTIVAL ARTS TRUST
To engage and educate the public in the arts, particularly performance, music, drama, poetry reading, sculpture, painting, handicrafts and other arts; and encourage public participation in the arts by the presentation creative activities, exhibitions and festivals in the City of Kingston upon Hull and its environs. The core of this activity centres around the annual Freedom Festival.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted reserves stood at £50,071, which is below the trustees' stated policy target of approximately £70,000 (three months of operating costs). The charity reported a net expenditure of £4,039 for the year, having utilized reserves to deliver its programme amidst a competitive fundraising landscape and increased costs. However, the trustees confirm the charity has adequate resources to continue operating, citing secured future funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Wykeland Group.
What the accounts disclose
“The principal sources of income for the charity were: - Regular annual funding from Arts Council England (via the national Portfolio Organisation funding under a multi year agreement between 2023/4-2027/8. - Local Authority grants - Grants through lottery, foundations and other grant making organisations - Sponsorship through business partnerships”
“The policy of the Trustees is to hold reserves equivalent to three months operating costs, which equates to approximately £70,000. The charity ended the 24/25 financial year with £50,071 in reserves following a challenging year for the sector.”
“Hull City Council An organisation in which G Taylor is an employee and R Pritchard is an elected member. During the year, £215,000 of sponsorship was received from Hull City Council (2024: £200,000)”
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/03/2025)
Trustees
- Patricia Mary Dalbychair
- Annabelle Baron-Medlam
- Charlotte Harrison
- Daryl Beeton
- Deborah Chidera Arikibe
- Jenny Harris
- Mark Moore
- Mike Ross
- Oyintare Kagbala
- Robert James Louis Pritchard
- Tom Robert Curteis
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £747k | £697k |
| 31/03/2024 | £639k | £876k |
| 31/03/2023 | £801k | £1.1m |
| 31/03/2022 | £915k | £787k |
| 31/03/2021 | £618k | £404k |
Common questions
Is FREEDOM FESTIVAL ARTS TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted reserves stood at £50,071, which is below the trustees' stated policy target of approximately £70,000 (three months of operating costs). The charity reported a net expenditure of £4,039 for the year, having utilized reserves to deliver its programme amidst a competitive fundraising landscape and increased costs. However, the trustees confirm the charity has adequate resources to continue operating, citing secured future funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Wykeland Group. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds FREEDOM FESTIVAL ARTS TRUST?
Funders whose own accounts filings name FREEDOM FESTIVAL ARTS TRUST as a grant recipient include THE HULL AND EAST RIDING CHARITABLE TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE HULL AND EAST RIDING CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2025 | £3k |