Sam Fender has given the complete sum of his £25,000 honor prize money to the MVT, which works to protect the United Kingdom's independent music venues.
The star was given the cheque on October 16 as his third album the album was named the outstanding release of the last 12 months.
The musician has chosen to donate the funds to the MVT, in appreciation of the crucial part local spots fulfilled in his initial steps.
"I personally couldn't be pursuing what I am doing today if it weren't for all the shows I did around the region, and further afield, when I was beginning," said the artist. "These locations are iconic, but they are struggling."
Since the start of 2023, over 150 of these spaces have shut down – roughly one-sixth of the entire UK sector.
Recently, top acts like Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the trust in its attempts to keep the scene afloat, by applying a small levy to their ticket prices, which goes to help independent venues.
Sam Fender also participated, raising over £100k on his 2024 arena tour to help thirty-eight local spots across the UK.
The donation supported spaces that were facing 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 received financial assistance in upgrading infrastructure and sound and lighting systems that helped performers and concertgoers.
"The notion that revenue from performances in large arenas helps the independent spots, where it kicks off for performers like me, is just logical," the star has commented.
The musician is not the first artist to donate his award funds to worthy causes.
Back when Pulp received the trophy in the mid-90s for their album their work, vocalist the singer announced that the band would donate their prize money to the organization the charity.
During 2002, artist the artist split her award between multiple charities, like the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.
"Additionally, I gave a grand to my local community centre, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was younger and they lacked updated gear," the artist shared with the media.
In recent years, the band donated their prize money to the local youth club that nurtured their group, alongside other local music groups.
And the 1994 recipients they donated their prize to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was identified with the illness.
"The victory was ample," remarked vocalist Heather Small. "The money was the extra but we didn't need the cherry, because we had the main prize. So our victory touched another person's life."
Recently, the MVT revealed it had protected several local spots in south-east England, by placing them under community ownership.
One venue in Southampton and the other in that location were purchased under the community ownership program, which is supported by Arts Council England and enthusiasts who acquire "ownership units" in the properties.
