Sam Fender donates entire Mercury Prize winnings to Music Venue Trust
Sam Fender has donated his £25,000 winnings from the Mercury Prize to the Music Venue Trust.
In October, Fender’s third album, People Watching, was victorious at the prestigious ceremony, which was held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle.
Fender beat strong competition from the likes of FKA Twigs, CMAT, Fontaines DC, Jacob Alon, PinkPantheress, and Wolf Alice to the prize.
Now, he is ensuring the money helps give back to the next generation of artists by aiding the Music Venue Trust, which provides vital work across the United Kingdom with grassroots venues. Fender said of the decision, “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.”
He continued, “These venues are legendary, but they are struggling.”
This is not the first time Fender has used his position to help the Music Venue Trust. Last winter, Fender performed at arenas across the United Kingdom, and for every ticket sold across the run, a £1 donation was made to the Music Venue Trust.
Fender’s tour raised over £100,000, which has been distributed to 38 venues across the UK to deliver urgent emergency assistance alongside essential improvement grants.
He previously said of the scheme, “The grassroots circuit has been decimated over the last 10 years or so and 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. These places are legendary.”
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Fender confirmed plans for the global release of his concert film, Live at London Stadium, on November 15th, 2025. It is directed by Toby L and Kit Monteith with Up The Game handling production. Fender played his biggest headline show to date at the London venue in June, which was attended by more than 80,000 fans.
He will also release the deluxe edition of his Mercury-winning album, People Watching, on December 5th.
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