Chart-topping singer-songwriter adds to his previous support of charity that works on behalf of small UK venues
Sam Fender has donated his £25,000 winnings from this year’s Mercury prize to a charity supporting the UK’s small music venues.
The North Shields singer-songwriter won the prestigious prize in October for his album People Watching, a UK chart-topper that continued his run of poignant, socially conscious songwriting.
“I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing today if it wasn’t for all the gigs I played around the north-east, and beyond, when I was starting out,” Fender said, announcing the donation. “These venues are legendary, but they are struggling.”
The money will be given to Music Venue Trust (MVT), who have been campaigning on behalf of grassroots venues across the country. Since 2023, more than 150 of these small venues have closed, facing pressures such as lower consumer spending, higher utility bills and debts lingering after Covid-enforced closures.
