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The artist gives his £25k prize award winnings to small concert halls

Sam Fender accepting his trophy in his hometown
The musician received the honor in October in Newcastle

The star has handed over the complete sum of his £25k honor prize money to the trust for venues, which works to protect the UK's independent live music spots.

He was awarded the prize on 16 October as his new release his work was chosen as the top album of the last 12 months.

He has decided to give the cash to the MVT, in recognition of the vital role local spots had in his beginning days.

"As an artist couldn't be pursuing my current career if it wasn't for all the performances I did around the North East, and beyond, when I was just getting going," said Fender. "These venues are legendary, but they are in difficulty."

Since the start of 2023, more than 150 of these venues have permanently closed – approximately one-sixth of the entire UK sector.

Recently, well-known musicians like the band Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all supported the trust in its initiatives to help venues survive, by applying a small levy to their ticket costs, which goes to help independent venues.

Fender also participated, generating over £100k on his recent tour to support 38 grassroots venues across Britain.

The money assisted spaces that were confronting potential shutdown due to difficulties arising from flooding, fire incidents and personal losses, as well as regulatory hurdles, conflicts and noise complaints.

Some locations received financial assistance in improving facilities and technical equipment that helped musicians and concertgoers.

"The concept that revenue from shows in big venues supports the independent spots, where it kicks off for artists like me, is just logical," Fender has said.

Pulp in concert
They are one of the many acts who contributed their award funds to non-profits

The musician is among several artists to give his award prize money to good deeds.

Back when the band won the award in the year 1996 for their album their work, vocalist Jarvis Cocker declared that the band would give their cash to the organization War Child.

During 2002, musician she shared her bounty across a few organizations, such as the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell organization.

"I also donated a grand to my local community centre, to their gymnastics program, because I did gymnastics when I was younger and they needed new equipment," the artist explained to outlets.

Two years ago, the band gave their funds to the youth organization that supported their group, as well as other local music groups.

Also the 1994 recipients they donated their award to a multiple sclerosis charity after a friend was found to have the condition.

"The victory was ample," said singer the singer. "The money was the bonus but we could do without the cherry, because we had the main prize. So our winning affected another person's life."

Recently, the MVT announced it had saved several small stages in south-east England, by transferring them to local control.

The Joiners in that area and the second in that location were acquired under the public acquisition scheme, which is supported by the arts council and music fans who buy "stakes" in the venues.

About the author

Christina Bennett

A passionate gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering esports and tech innovations.

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