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The artist has donated the full amount of his twenty-five thousand pound honor prize money to the trust for venues, which functions to protect the UK's small concert spaces.

Fender was awarded the prize on October 16 as his latest record his work was named the outstanding release of the previous year.

The musician has opted to donate the funds to the trust, in recognition of the essential function local spots fulfilled in his early career.

"I personally couldn't be pursuing this success if it wasn't for all the gigs I played around the region, and beyond, when I was starting out," said Sam Fender. "These spaces are renowned, but they are facing challenges."

Beginning in 2023, at least 150 of these venues have permanently closed – about one-sixth of the total UK scene.

In the last year, major artists including the band Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all backed the Music Venues Trust in its attempts to keep the scene afloat, by adding a modest fee to their ticket costs, which benefits local stages.

Sam Fender also took part, generating more than £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour to assist numerous local spots across the UK.

The money supported spaces that were facing possible closure due to issues arising from water damage, fires and bereavements, as well as permit problems, conflicts and sound issues.

Other venues were granted financial assistance in upgrading facilities and sound and lighting systems that positively impacted musicians and fans.

"The notion that money from concerts in big venues supports the smaller venues, where it all starts for artists like me, is just common sense," the star has commented.

He is among several artists to contribute his Mercury Prize winnings to worthy causes.

Back when they received the trophy in 1996 for their release their work, lead singer Cocker stated that the group would contribute their winnings to the charity the charity.

In 2002, artist she split her prize across a few good causes, such as the NSPCC and a charity for Sickle Cell.

"And I donated a grand to the center, to their gymnastics class, because I did gymnastics when I was growing up and they needed updated gear," she told a publication.

Two years ago, the band donated their prize money to the local youth club that developed their act, alongside other independent music bodies.

Also winners that year the group contributed their prize to a multiple sclerosis charity after a friend was found to have the condition.

"The victory was quite enough," remarked vocalist the singer. "The cash was the extra but we could do without the cherry, because we had the honor. So our winning touched somebody else's life."

Last week, the Music Venues Trust revealed it had saved several local spots in that region, by transferring them to community ownership.

One venue in that area and the second in that location were acquired under the community ownership program, which is funded by a national body and enthusiasts who acquire "ownership units" in the properties.