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Sam Fender Donates £25,000 to Save Grassroots Venues

11/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sam Fender, the British musician, donated £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to the Music Venue Trust (MVT) to support grassroots venues.
Fender won the Mercury Prize for his album People Watching.
Since 2023, over 150 grassroots venues have closed due to financial pressures.
Fender previously raised over £100,000 during his 2024 tour to aid 38 venues.
MVT's CEO Mark Davyd praised the donation as an "incredible gesture" vital for the music community.

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Story summary

Sam Fender, the British musician, donated £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to the Music Venue Trust (MVT) to support grassroots venues.
Fender won the Mercury Prize for his album People Watching.
Since 2023, over 150 grassroots venues have closed due to financial pressures.
Fender previously raised over £100,000 during his 2024 tour to aid 38 venues.
MVT's CEO Mark Davyd praised the donation as an "incredible gesture" vital for the music community.