Sam Fender has given the complete sum of his £25,000 award prize money to the trust for venues, which works to preserve the UK's independent music venues.
He was awarded the prize on October 16 as his new release the album was named the outstanding release of the past year.
Fender has opted to donate the funds to the Music Venues Trust, in appreciation of the essential function local spots played in his initial steps.
"I personally would not have achieved what I am doing today if it wasn't for all the gigs I played around the region, and further afield, when I was beginning," remarked the artist. "These venues are renowned, but they are struggling."
Beginning in 2023, more than 150 of these venues have shut down – roughly 16% of the total UK scene.
Recently, well-known musicians such as the band Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all aided the MVT in its initiatives to support the industry, by applying a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which goes to help local stages.
Fender also participated, generating more than £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to support numerous local spots across the UK.
The donation helped venues that were dealing with imminent closure due to issues arising from floods, blazes and bereavements, as well as regulatory hurdles, conflicts and noise complaints.
Some locations received funding support in improving amenities and technical equipment that helped artists and fans.
"The idea that money from performances in major spaces supports the smaller venues, where it all starts for performers like me, is just common sense," the star has said.
Fender is among several artists to contribute his honor prize money to good deeds.
Back when Pulp won the trophy in the mid-90s for their album Different Class, lead singer Cocker stated that the act would donate their cash to the charity War Child.
During 2002, musician she divided her award across a few good causes, like the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.
"And I gave a £1,000 to my local community centre, to their gymnastics class, because I practiced gymnastics when I was a child and they lacked updated gear," she explained to outlets.
Two years ago, Ezra Collective donated their winnings to the community center that developed their band, alongside other local music groups.
Additionally 1994 winners the group gave their winnings to a charity for MS after a acquaintance was found to have the disease.
"Receiving the award was sufficient," said artist the singer. "The money was the bonus but we could do without the extra, because we had the main prize. So our winning affected the lives of others."
Last week, the MVT revealed it had rescued several local spots in that region, by transferring them to community ownership.
One venue in that area and The Croft in Bristol were purchased under the community ownership initiative, which is backed by Arts Council England and supporters who purchase "shares" in the properties.
