THE VAN MORRISON OFFICIAL BELFAST RHYTHM AND BLUES FOUNDATION

Public benefits

The direct benefits which flow from the purpose are as follows: 1) The bonding of people together through the integration of people and culture through art and music for the benefit of the general public in Northern Ireland. 2) The creation of opportunities to the general public in Northern Ireland to be further educated in the Northern Irish

culture as the song lyric content of many of Van Morrison’s songs deals directly with the backstreets of Belfast and the working class world. 3) Educating the general public in Northern Ireland in the Celtic music tradition. The above benefits can be evidenced through ticket sales for festivals and concerts. The possibility of physical injury at these festivals / concerts in movement of the general public at the venues is outweighed by the benefit and reduced by policies and procedures in place such as health and safety. 4) The final benefit flowing from the purpose is the assistance to local northern Irish musicians who are in financial difficulty. This can be evidenced through feedback from musicians who benefited from same. The delivery of this assistance depends on the financial needs of the individual and we cannot identity any harm that would be caused to individuals on the receipt of same. Some private benefit is obtained by Van Morrison in the form of publicity however it is purely incidental to his significant reputation as he has been in the music industry for over 40 years and has already established his career. Whilst any private benefit is incidental his participation is essential to enable the charity to raise funds and thereby achieve its charitable purpose.

What your organisation does

The Van Morrison Official Belfast Rhythm and Blues Foundation organises and promotes selected performances and festivals from which Van Morrison has determined that proceeds / surpluses will be contributed to the Trust .