Hidden Beach Festival CIC – About Us

Hidden Beach Festival is run by Hidden Beach Festival CIC, a Community Interest Company (CIC). Our legal structure reflects why we do what we do: putting community value, culture, and creativity first, rather than maximising private profit.

What Is a CIC — and Why We Chose It

• A CIC is a special type of company specifically designed for organisations that benefit the community. British Taekwondo+2Informi+2

• Unlike charities, a CIC can operate commercially while still being ethically committed to social goals. GOV.UK

• Hidden Beach Festival CIC is required to pass a “community interest test” and is regulated by the CIC Regulator — which means we must demonstrate how our activities benefit the community. NDVS+1

• We also have an asset lock, meaning that any assets or profits are legally restricted to be used only for community benefit. Informi+1

Our Mission & Purpose

• Hidden Beach Festival CIC exists to promote arts, music, and culture in Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea, and beyond.

• We prioritise community engagement, working with local businesses, artists, and creative groups.

• Profits generated from the festival are reinvested into future festivals, community projects, and local cultural initiatives.

• Because of our CIC structure, sustainable growth matters — we’re not just here to “make money,” but to make a lasting positive impact.

Governance & Accountability

• We are governed by a board of directors who oversee strategy, planning, and financial management.

• Each year, we publish a Community Interest Report to provide transparency about our work, our finances, and how we’re delivering on our social mission. Micro Entity Accounts

• We file statutory accounts with Companies House, just like any limited company, but with the added responsibility to show how we benefit the community. GOV.UK

• Our structure allows us to operate like a business, but with the trust and credibility of a social enterprise. Inform Direct

Why This Structure Matters for Hidden Beach

• It allows us to raise funding from grants, social investors, and community sponsors — funds that are then used for community and cultural purposes. jem-consults.co.uk

• We’re accountable not just to our shareholders, but to the wider community we serve.

• Our legal setup gives us the freedom to run a vibrant, professional festival while ensuring long-term sustainability.

• Even if the CIC were to stop operating, any remaining assets would be passed on to another organisation with a similar mission, thanks to the asset lock. Micro Entity Accounts+1

Get Involved / Support Us

• Whether you want to partner, sponsor, or volunteer, Hidden Beach Festival CIC is always looking for community-minded people and organisations to join us.

• If you’re interested in how your support can contribute to our mission — or want to request a copy of our latest Community Interest Report — please contact us:
  ✉ Email: [Insert contact email]

This page gives website visitors and stakeholders (e.g. sponsors, funders, community members) a clear understanding of how Hidden Beach Festival is legally structured, why it’s a CIC, and how that supports the festival’s mission and community focus.

If you like, I can check exact legal obligations for a CIC running a festival (e.g. reporting, accounts) and write that in too — do you want me to do that?