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Sam Fender contributes £25,000 award winnings to grassroots music venues

The artist receiving his trophy in the North East
Sam Fender won the prestigious award recently in his hometown

The artist has donated the complete sum of his £25,000 award winnings to the trust for venues, which works to save the Britain's independent live music spots.

He was given the award on mid-October as his new release his work was declared the best record of the past year.

He has decided to donate the funds to the Music Venues Trust, in appreciation of the essential function grassroots venues had in his early career.

"I personally wouldn't be doing my current career if it weren't for all the performances I performed around the region, and beyond, when I was just getting going," said the artist. "These spaces are legendary, but they are in difficulty."

Since the start of 2023, more than 150 of these venues have shut down – approximately 16 percent of the total UK scene.

Recently, top acts like Pulp, Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all backed the MVT in its initiatives to support the industry, by adding a minor surcharge to their ticket prices, which supports local stages.

Fender also took part, generating in excess of £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to help thirty-eight local spots across Britain.

The money helped venues that were dealing with imminent closure due to issues caused by water damage, fires and bereavements, as well as licensing issues, conflicts and neighbor objections.

Some locations received financial assistance in improving facilities and technical equipment that positively impacted artists and audiences.

"The idea that funds from shows in major spaces helps the smaller venues, where it all starts for musicians like me, is just logical," Fender has stated.

Pulp performing
Pulp are one example who gave their honor winnings to non-profits

The musician is far from the only musician to donate his honor funds to good deeds.

When Pulp received the trophy in 1996 for their release the album, lead singer the singer stated that the band would donate their winnings to the charity War Child.

In 2002, musician the artist shared her award between multiple good causes, such as the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell charity.

"I also contributed a grand to my local community centre, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was younger and they needed updated gear," Ms Dynamite shared with outlets.

Previously, the band contributed their winnings to the community center that supported their act, alongside other local music groups.

And the 1994 recipients M People gave their prize to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was found to have the condition.

"Winning was ample," remarked vocalist the singer. "The money was the cherry on top but we didn't require the bonus, because we had the main prize. So our success affected another person's life."

Last week, the MVT announced it had saved several local spots in south-east England, by placing them under local control.

The Joiners in that area and The Croft in the city were purchased under the Own Our Venues program, which is backed by the arts council and music fans who acquire "shares" in the buildings.

About the author

Joshua Turner

Elin är en erfaren affärsjournalist med bakgrund i e-handel och startup-branschen, specialiserad på digital transformation.

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