Max SteventonSam Fender has donated his £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to the Music Venue Trust (MVT) to support grassroots music venues across the UK.
Fender received the Mercury Prize on 16 October in Newcastle for his album People Watching. He said the donation recognises the role that small venues played in his early career.
“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,” said Fender. “These venues are legendary, but they are struggling.”
According to MVT, grassroots venues operate on an average profit margin of just 0.48%, with 43.8% of them reporting a loss in 2024. The UK’s grassroots circuit contributes an estimated £160 million annually to the wider £5.2 billion music industry through developing new artists and professionals.
Fender previously raised more than £100,000 for MVT during his 2024 arena tour, with funds distributed via the charity’s Liveline Fund to 38 venues across England, Scotland and Wales.
“The grassroots circuit has been decimated over the last 10 year. The idea that money from shows in big venues supports the smaller venues, where it all starts for musicians like me, is just common sense,” said Fender.
MVT CEO and founder Mark Davyd said, “This is an incredible gesture by Sam, demonstrating once again that artists absolutely understand how vital grassroots music venues are to their careers and to their communities. We are honoured to accept this donation and will ensure every penny of it makes a direct difference to the campaign to keep live music at the heart of our towns and cities.”