Summary
Sam Fender, a musician, donated his £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to the Music Venues Trust. The Trust works to support small music venues in the UK. Fender recognizes these venues helped him early in his career and wants to help them during tough times.
Key Facts
- Sam Fender won the Mercury Prize and donated the £25,000 prize money to the Music Venues Trust.
- The Trust helps small, grassroots music venues in the UK stay open and thrive.
- Fender believes these smaller venues played a crucial role in his music career.
- Since 2023, over 150 small venues in the UK have closed down permanently.
- Other famous artists like Pulp, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran have also supported the Music Venues Trust.
- Fender raised over £100,000 on his 2024 tour to support small venues in England, Scotland, and Wales.
- The money helped address challenges faced by the venues, such as floods, licensing issues, and the need for better equipment.
- Past Mercury Prize winners have also donated their prize money to charitable causes.
