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The artist has donated the full amount of his £25,000 honor prize money to the MVT, which functions to protect the Britain's small live music spots.

Fender was awarded the award on 16 October as his new release the album was chosen as the best record of the previous year.

The musician has decided to donate the funds to the MVT, in recognition of the vital role grassroots venues played in his early career.

"I couldn't be pursuing my current career if it hadn't been for all the shows I played around the area, and further afield, when I was beginning," stated Sam Fender. "These locations are legendary, but they are facing challenges."

Since the start of 2023, at least 150 of these venues have ceased operations – roughly 16% of the whole industry in the UK.

In the last year, well-known musicians like the band Pulp, the group Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the Music Venues Trust in its initiatives to keep the scene afloat, by applying a small levy to their ticket prices, which supports smaller concert halls.

Sam Fender also joined in, generating in excess of £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to support numerous grassroots venues across Britain.

The money supported venues that were dealing with imminent closure due to challenges stemming from water damage, fire incidents and bereavements, as well as permit problems, court cases and noise complaints.

Some locations were granted financial assistance in upgrading amenities and technical equipment that positively impacted artists and audiences.

"The concept that revenue from concerts in big venues backs the local stages, where it begins for performers like me, is just sensible," the star has commented.

The musician is far from the only musician to contribute his award winnings to charitable organizations.

When they received the prize in 1996 for their record Different Class, vocalist the singer announced that the group would donate their cash to the charity War Child.

In 2002, artist Ms Dynamite shared her award across multiple charities, like the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.

"I also donated a £1,000 to my local community centre, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was younger and they lacked updated gear," she shared with a publication.

Two years ago, the band contributed their winnings to the community center that supported their group, as well as other local music groups.

And 1994 winners M People gave their winnings to a MS organization after a acquaintance was found to have the disease.

"Winning was sufficient," stated singer the singer. "The cash was the extra but we didn't require the cherry, because we had the cake. So our victory impacted the lives of others."

In the past week, the MVT shared it had rescued a couple of small stages in south-east England, by transferring them to community ownership.

One venue in the city and the second in the city were purchased under the Own Our Venues scheme, which is backed by Arts Council England and enthusiasts who buy "shares" in the properties.