Sam Fender has handed over the complete sum of his twenty-five thousand pound award prize money to the trust for venues, which functions to protect the United Kingdom's independent live music spots.
He was given the award on mid-October as his latest record the album was named the top album of the past year.
He has decided to hand the money over to the trust, in recognition of the vital role grassroots venues played in his initial steps.
"I couldn't be pursuing this success if it wasn't for all the shows I did around the region, and beyond, when I was just getting going," remarked the artist. "These locations are legendary, but they are struggling."
Beginning in 2023, more than 150 of these venues have ceased operations – approximately 16 percent of the entire UK sector.
Recently, well-known musicians including the band Pulp, the group Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all backed the trust in its attempts to help venues survive, by applying a modest fee to their admission fees, which benefits independent venues.
He also joined in, collecting more than £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to support numerous small stages across England, Scotland, and Wales.
These funds supported venues that were confronting imminent closure due to difficulties caused by flooding, blazes and bereavements, as well as permit problems, legal disputes and noise complaints.
Other venues were granted monetary aid in upgrading facilities and sound and lighting systems that helped artists and fans.
"The notion that money from shows in big venues backs the independent spots, where it kicks off for musicians like me, is just sensible," Fender has said.
Fender is among several artists to donate his award funds to worthy causes.
Back when Pulp received the trophy in the year 1996 for their album Different Class, lead singer the singer stated that the group would contribute their prize money to the non-profit the charity.
In 2002, rapper and singer Ms Dynamite split her award among a few organizations, such as the children's charity and a Sickle Cell charity.
"Additionally, I gave a £1,000 to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was younger and they lacked updated gear," Ms Dynamite explained to a publication.
In recent years, Ezra Collective donated their winnings to the local youth club that developed their band, alongside other independent music bodies.
Additionally 1994 winners they gave their award to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was diagnosed the illness.
"Receiving the award was sufficient," said artist Small. "The money was the cherry on top but we didn't need the extra, because we had the honor. So our success touched somebody else's life."
Recently, the trust shared it had saved a couple of local spots in the South East, by transferring them to community ownership.
One venue in that area and the other in that location were acquired under the Own Our Venues scheme, which is backed by Arts Council England and supporters who buy "shares" in the buildings.
