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The star has handed over the entirety of his £25,000 honor winnings to the MVT, which functions to save the Britain's independent live music spots.

Fender was given the award on 16 October as his latest record his work was declared the top album of the past year.

He has opted to give the cash to the trust, in appreciation of the essential function local spots had in his initial steps.

"I wouldn't be doing my current career if it hadn't been for all the shows I performed around the North East, and elsewhere, when I was just getting going," said Fender. "These locations are legendary, but they are in difficulty."

Beginning in 2023, over 150 of these venues have permanently closed – roughly 16% of the total UK scene.

Over the past year, major artists including the band Pulp, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all supported the MVT in its efforts to support the industry, by adding a small levy to their ticket costs, which supports independent venues.

Sam Fender also participated, collecting in excess of £100,000 on his recent tour to support numerous grassroots venues across Britain.

The money helped spaces that were dealing with possible closure due to difficulties stemming from flooding, fire incidents and bereavements, as well as regulatory hurdles, court cases and sound issues.

Some locations were granted financial assistance in upgrading facilities and technical equipment that helped performers and concertgoers.

"The concept that funds from shows in large arenas helps the independent spots, where it begins for artists like me, is just logical," the star has stated.

He is not the first artist to give his Mercury Prize funds to worthy causes.

Back when Pulp earned the award in the mid-90s for their album Different Class, vocalist the singer declared that the act would contribute their winnings to the non-profit War Child.

In 2002, musician the artist divided her prize across several charities, like the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell organization.

"I also donated a thousand pounds to Highgate Newtown, to their gymnastics class, because I practiced gymnastics when I was growing up and they needed updated gear," Ms Dynamite told the media.

Two years ago, they contributed their funds to the youth organization that nurtured their band, in addition to other independent music bodies.

Additionally winners that year the group donated their prize to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was identified with the illness.

"Winning was ample," said singer Heather Small. "The money was the cherry on top but we didn't require the extra, because we had the honor. So our victory touched another person's life."

Recently, the MVT announced it had saved two local spots in south-east England, by bringing them into public stewardship.

The Joiners in the city and The Croft in Bristol were purchased under the Own Our Venues scheme, which is supported by the arts council and enthusiasts who acquire "stakes" in the properties.