Sam Fender donates Mercury Prize winnings to Music Venue Trust

Sam Fender has donated his £25,000 (€28,377) Mercury Prize winnings to the Music Venue Trust (MVT), the UK charity dedicated to supporting grassroots music venues.

The North Shields singer-songwriter won the 2025 Mercury Prize in October for his album People Watching, which also earned him two Top 10 singles and the 2025 Brit Award for Best Alternative/Rock Act.

“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.”

The MVT has been campaigning on behalf of small venues across the UK, which continue to face financial strain from rising costs and post-pandemic debt. Since 2023, more than 150 venues have closed.

Fender has been a long-time supporter of the organisation, donating £100,000 (€113,497) from his 2024 arena tour earnings to help sustain small venues.

The charity is currently campaigning for a £1 levy on tickets for shows with capacities above 5,000, directing that revenue toward struggling smaller spaces. The initiative has received backing from major artists, including Coldplay and Katy Perry, as well as support from the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Fender’s Mercury win capped a landmark year, which also saw him play a series of UK stadium shows and perform at this year’s Electric Picnic as a headliner.