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The star has handed over the full amount of his £25,000 honor cash to the trust for venues, which works to protect the United Kingdom's grassroots music venues.

He was presented with the prize on mid-October as his latest record People Watching was named the outstanding release of the last 12 months.

The musician has opted to give the cash to the MVT, in recognition of the crucial part small stages played in his beginning days.

"I wouldn't be doing what I am doing today if it wasn't for all the shows I performed around the North East, and beyond, when I was beginning," remarked Fender. "These venues are renowned, but they are in difficulty."

From early 2023 onward, at least 150 of these locations have ceased operations – roughly 16% of the whole industry in the UK.

In the last year, top acts like Pulp, the group Coldplay, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all backed the Music Venues Trust in its attempts to keep the scene afloat, by applying a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which benefits smaller concert halls.

Fender also participated, generating over £100k on his 2024 arena tour to support numerous small stages across the UK.

These funds helped venues that were dealing with imminent closure due to issues arising from water damage, fire incidents and personal losses, as well as licensing issues, legal disputes and sound issues.

Some locations obtained monetary aid in upgrading amenities and technical equipment that positively impacted musicians and concertgoers.

"The concept that funds from shows in big venues supports the independent spots, where it begins for musicians like me, is just logical," the star has commented.

He is not the first artist to contribute his award funds to worthy causes.

Back when the band won the trophy in 1996 for their release the album, lead singer Cocker stated that the band would give their winnings to the charity the charity.

In 2002, artist she split her prize among a few charities, like the NSPCC and a Sickle Cell organization.

"Additionally, I gave a grand to the center, to their gymnastics class, because I did gymnastics when I was younger and they needed updated gear," Ms Dynamite explained to the media.

Previously, they contributed their winnings to the youth organization that supported their group, as well as other grassroots music organisations.

And the 1994 recipients the group gave their prize to a MS organization after a close contact was found to have the illness.

"The victory was sufficient," said artist the singer. "The cash was the extra but we didn't require the bonus, because we had the cake. So our winning impacted somebody else's life."

Last week, the Music Venues Trust revealed it had saved several small stages in south-east England, by transferring them to community ownership.

One venue in Southampton and the other in Bristol were purchased under the Own Our Venues program, which is funded by the arts council and enthusiasts who acquire "ownership units" in the buildings.