Sam Fender has handed over the full amount of his twenty-five thousand pound honor prize money to the trust for venues, which works to protect the United Kingdom's small live music spots.
The star was given the cheque on 16 October as his latest record People Watching was named the top album of the previous year.
The musician has decided to give the cash to the MVT, in appreciation of the vital role local spots had in his initial steps.
"I personally would not have achieved what I am doing today if it wasn't for all the shows I played around the region, and beyond, when I was beginning," remarked Sam Fender. "These locations are renowned, but they are facing challenges."
Since the start of 2023, more than 150 of these locations have shut down – approximately 16% of the total UK scene.
Recently, top acts such as the band Pulp, the group Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all supported the MVT in its attempts to keep the scene afloat, by including a minor surcharge to their ticket prices, which goes to help independent venues.
Sam Fender also participated, collecting over £100k on his live tour to support numerous grassroots venues across Britain.
These funds supported venues that were dealing with possible closure due to difficulties caused by flooding, fires and personal losses, as well as permit problems, court cases and noise complaints.
Additional spaces obtained financial assistance in improving facilities and gear that directly benefitted performers and fans.
"The notion that money from shows in large arenas supports the independent spots, where it kicks off for musicians like me, is just logical," Sam Fender has said.
He is among several artists to contribute his Mercury Prize winnings to good deeds.
Back when they received the prize in the year 1996 for their album Different Class, vocalist Cocker announced that the group would give their prize money to the non-profit War Child.
During 2002, artist she split her bounty between several good causes, like the children's charity and a Sickle Cell charity.
"I also gave a grand to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I trained in gymnastics when I was younger and they required updated gear," the artist told outlets.
Two years ago, the band donated their funds to the community center that nurtured their act, in addition to other local music groups.
Additionally the 1994 recipients they contributed their prize to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was identified with the condition.
"Winning was quite enough," stated artist Heather Small. "The prize was the cherry on top but we didn't require the cherry, because we had the main prize. So our victory impacted the lives of others."
Recently, the Music Venues Trust announced it had protected two grassroots venues in south-east England, by bringing them into local control.
One venue in the city and The Croft in the city were purchased under the public acquisition program, which is backed by a national body and music fans who purchase "stakes" in the venues.
