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Wednesday, October 14, 2026
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The artist donates twenty-five thousand pounds cash award to independent concert halls

Sam Fender receiving his trophy in Newcastle
The musician received the Mercury Prize last month in his hometown

The artist has donated the complete sum of his £25,000 award cash to the trust for venues, which operates to protect the Britain's grassroots music venues.

He was presented with the cheque on October 16 as his latest record his work was named the outstanding release of the previous year.

He has chosen to hand the money over to the Music Venues Trust, in appreciation of the crucial part grassroots venues fulfilled in his early career.

"I would not have achieved what I am doing today if it hadn't been for all the gigs I performed around the area, and beyond, when I was beginning," said the artist. "These spaces are renowned, but they are facing challenges."

Since the start of 2023, over 150 of these spaces have permanently closed – roughly one-sixth of the entire UK sector.

Over the past year, well-known musicians including Pulp, the group Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the MVT in its efforts to help venues survive, by including a modest fee to their ticket costs, which goes to help smaller concert halls.

He also took part, collecting more than £100,000 on his recent tour to assist numerous small stages across England, Scotland, and Wales.

The donation assisted venues that were facing potential shutdown due to difficulties arising from water damage, fires and personal losses, as well as permit problems, legal disputes and neighbor objections.

Some locations received monetary aid in improving amenities and gear that helped artists and fans.

"The concept that money from performances in major spaces helps the smaller venues, where it all starts for performers like me, is just sensible," Sam Fender has commented.

The band Pulp on stage
They are one example who contributed their honor winnings to good causes

He is far from the only musician to give his honor prize money to good deeds.

When the band earned the trophy in 1996 for their release Different Class, lead singer Cocker announced that the group would contribute their winnings to the organization the charity.

During 2002, artist she divided her prize between several good causes, such as the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.

"I also contributed a thousand pounds to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was younger and they lacked updated gear," Ms Dynamite explained to outlets.

In recent years, they donated their prize money to the youth organization that nurtured their act, as well as other grassroots music organisations.

Additionally the 1994 recipients they donated their award to a charity for MS after a friend was diagnosed the illness.

"The victory was ample," remarked artist the singer. "The prize was the bonus but we didn't require the bonus, because we had the honor. So our victory impacted the lives of others."

Last week, the trust announced it had protected several local spots in the South East, by placing them under public stewardship.

One venue in that area and the second in the city were acquired under the community ownership initiative, which is backed by a national body and music fans who purchase "stakes" in the buildings.

Written by

Barbara Burns

Alex Harrington is a seasoned sports betting analyst with over a decade of experience in the UK gambling industry.

London Bets Media

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