Makebelieve Arts
Analysis
Makebelieve Arts is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Corsham. It was registered in March 2006, 20 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training and arts/culture/heritage/science, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 05087027). It says it provides services.
In the financial year ending March 2026, Makebelieve Arts reported income of £207k and spending of £228k, spending 110% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from March 2022 to March 2026, income fell from £250k to £207k (-17%), an average of -4.6% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to March 2025, when income dropped by 19%. Over the whole period it spent 97% of the income it received.
Among 17,634 England and Wales charities whose main cause is arts, culture, heritage and science and that reported income, Makebelieve Arts sits at the 86th percentile: it is larger than about 86% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 81st percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Brighton Theatre Group (£207k), The Riot Ensemble (£207k) and Creative Outbursts (£207k).
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Other 100%
In the charity's own words
Make Believe Arts is a leading provider of theatre and education programmes, using our understanding of progressive educational philosophy to develop the creative potential of children from 2 - 11. Our work includes: Storytelling and poetry, Helicopter Stories, The Story Basket and The Poetry Basket via in person and online resources.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Brighton Theatre Group | West Sussex | £207k |
| The Riot Ensemble | Salford | £207k |
| Creative Outbursts | Bristol | £207k |
| Kielder Water and Forest Park Development Trust | Newcastle Upon Tyne | £207k |