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Sam Fender has donated the entirety of his £25,000 honor cash to the trust for venues, which operates to protect the UK's independent live music spots.

He was presented with the award on 16 October as his new release the album was declared the outstanding release of the last 12 months.

The musician has chosen to give the cash to the trust, in recognition of the vital role local spots played in his early career.

"I couldn't be pursuing my current career if it wasn't for all the gigs I performed around the area, and beyond, when I was just getting going," remarked the artist. "These venues are renowned, but they are facing challenges."

From early 2023 onward, at least 150 of these locations have ceased operations – roughly 16% of the whole industry in the UK.

Over the past year, well-known musicians such as Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all backed the MVT in its initiatives to keep the scene afloat, by adding a small levy to their admission fees, which supports local stages.

He also took part, generating in excess of £100,000 on his recent tour to assist thirty-eight small stages across Britain.

The donation supported venues that were dealing with possible closure due to issues caused by water damage, fire incidents and family tragedies, as well as regulatory hurdles, court cases and neighbor objections.

Some locations were granted monetary aid in upgrading amenities and sound and lighting systems that directly benefitted performers and audiences.

"The idea that funds from performances in large arenas helps the local stages, where it kicks off for performers like me, is just common sense," the star has stated.

Fender is far from the only musician to donate his Mercury Prize funds to worthy causes.

In the band earned the prize in 1996 for their record their work, lead singer Cocker declared that the act would donate their cash to the non-profit War Child.

During 2002, artist the artist divided her bounty among multiple charities, such as the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.

"Additionally, I contributed a grand to the center, to their gymnastics program, because I practiced gymnastics when I was growing up and they required new equipment," Ms Dynamite explained to outlets.

In recent years, they donated their prize money to the community center that supported their band, in addition to other local music groups.

And 1994 winners they gave their prize to a MS organization after a friend was found to have the illness.

"The victory was sufficient," remarked artist Heather Small. "The cash was the cherry on top but we could do without the extra, because we had the honor. So our winning affected another person's life."

Last week, the MVT shared it had saved several small stages in that region, by transferring them to public stewardship.

One venue in Southampton and the other in Bristol were purchased under the community ownership program, which is backed by Arts Council England and enthusiasts who buy "shares" in the venues.