Sam Fender has handed over the entirety of his £25k Mercury Prize prize money to the Music Venues Trust, which operates to preserve the United Kingdom's small music venues.
The star was awarded the award on 16 October as his third album the album was named the best record of the previous year.
He has opted to donate the funds to the MVT, in recognition of the vital role grassroots venues played in his beginning days.
"I would not have achieved what I am doing today if it hadn't been for all the gigs I did around the area, and beyond, when I was beginning," stated Fender. "These venues are renowned, but they are struggling."
Beginning in 2023, at least 150 of these venues have ceased operations – approximately 16 percent of the total UK scene.
In the last year, top acts including the band Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all backed the MVT in its attempts to keep the scene afloat, by applying a minor surcharge to their ticket prices, which goes to help independent venues.
Sam Fender also joined in, collecting over £100k on his 2024 arena tour to help 38 local spots across England, Scotland, and Wales.
These funds helped spaces that were dealing with imminent closure due to challenges caused by floods, fire incidents and family tragedies, as well as licensing issues, conflicts and sound issues.
Additional spaces received monetary aid in upgrading facilities and sound and lighting systems that helped artists and concertgoers.
"The idea that revenue from concerts in big venues supports the local stages, where it all starts for artists like me, is just sensible," the star has stated.
He is among several artists to contribute his honor funds to good deeds.
Back when Pulp received the trophy in the mid-90s for their release their work, frontman Cocker declared that the group would give their prize money to the organization War Child.
During 2002, artist the artist divided her award between a few charities, like the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.
"And I gave a £1,000 to the center, to their gymnastics program, because I practiced gymnastics when I was younger and they required updated gear," the artist explained to the media.
In recent years, Ezra Collective donated their winnings to the community center that supported their group, in addition to other local music groups.
And the 1994 recipients they donated their winnings to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was identified with the disease.
"The victory was sufficient," remarked vocalist Heather Small. "The prize was the bonus but we didn't require the bonus, because we had the main prize. So our winning affected the lives of others."
Recently, the Music Venues Trust announced it had rescued two local spots in that region, by placing them under community ownership.
One venue in Southampton and The Croft in the city were purchased under the Own Our Venues program, which is supported by a national body and enthusiasts who purchase "ownership units" in the buildings.
