Sam Fender contributes twenty-five thousand pounds award winnings to grassroots music venues

Sam Fender has donated the full amount of his twenty-five thousand pound award cash to the trust for venues, which functions to preserve the UK's independent music venues.

He was given the cheque on 16 October as his third album People Watching was named the top album of the past year.

Fender has chosen to give the cash to the Music Venues Trust, in appreciation of the vital role small stages fulfilled in his initial steps.

"As an artist wouldn't be doing what I am doing today if it hadn't been for all the gigs I did around the area, and elsewhere, when I was just getting going," said the artist. "These spaces are legendary, but they are struggling."

Beginning in 2023, more than 150 of these venues have ceased operations – approximately 16% of the entire UK sector.

Recently, major artists like the band Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all aided the MVT in its attempts to keep the scene afloat, by adding a small levy to their ticket prices, which benefits local stages.

He also took part, raising more than £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to support 38 local spots across Britain.

The donation helped spaces that were confronting potential shutdown due to difficulties arising from floods, fire incidents and personal losses, as well as regulatory hurdles, legal disputes and noise complaints.

Some locations obtained financial assistance in improving amenities and technical equipment that helped musicians and fans.

"The notion that money from concerts in large arenas backs the independent spots, where it all starts for performers like me, is just logical," Sam Fender has commented.

The musician is among several artists to contribute his honor prize money to worthy causes.

In Pulp earned the prize in the mid-90s for their record the album, frontman the singer stated that the band would donate their winnings to the organization War Child.

That year, musician Ms Dynamite split her bounty among a few charities, such as the children's charity and a Sickle Cell charity.

"And I gave a £1,000 to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I did gymnastics when I was growing up and they needed updated gear," she shared with a publication.

Two years ago, they donated their prize money to the local youth club that developed their band, in addition to other grassroots music organisations.

And the 1994 recipients the group donated their prize to a charity for MS after a acquaintance was found to have the illness.

"Winning was quite enough," said singer the singer. "The prize was the cherry on top but we could do without the bonus, because we had the honor. So our winning affected somebody else's life."

In the past week, the trust announced it had rescued several local spots in that region, by transferring them to public stewardship.

The first in the city and The Croft in Bristol were acquired under the community ownership initiative, which is supported by the arts council and enthusiasts who acquire "stakes" in the properties.