Glyndebourne Productions Limited
Analysis
Glyndebourne Productions Limited is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Lewes. It was registered in July 1965, 61 years ago. Its declared purposes cover arts/culture/heritage/science, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 00358266). It says it other charitable activities.
In the financial year ending December 2025, Glyndebourne Productions Limited reported income of £43.4m and spending of £43.2m, spending 100% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £27.5m to £43.4m (+58%), an average of +12% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2024, when income rose by 24%. Over the whole period it spent 96% 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, Glyndebourne Productions Limited sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 100th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Sadler's Wells Trust Limited (£43.3m), Niab (£48.0m) and St Edward's School (£41.1m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 61%, donations and legacies 26%, trading 3.6% and investments 1.4%. Gifts in wills alone brought in £1.8m. Charitable activities took 95% of spending and raising funds 2.9%. Reserves of £22.5m would cover about 6 months of spending at that rate. It employed 395 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 22%
- Legacies 4.1%
- Charitable activities 61%
- Trading 3.6%
- Investments 1.4%
- Other 8.6%
In the charity's own words
To present opera of the highest international quality in all respects, to remain financially independent, to balance old and new repertory and explore ways of developing the art form, to make our work accessible to a wide audience through Glyndebourne on Tour and by our Education programme and to provide a stimulating and inspirational environment for artists, staff and audiences.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Sadler's Wells Trust Limited | London | £43.3m |
| Niab | Cambridge | £48.0m |
| St Edward's School | Oxford | £41.1m |
| BH Live | Bournemouth | £48.1m |