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The artist has handed over the complete sum of his twenty-five thousand pound award cash to the Music Venues Trust, which functions to preserve the Britain's small concert spaces.

He was presented with the cheque on mid-October as his new release the album was named the outstanding release of the previous year.

Fender has opted to donate the funds to the MVT, in appreciation of the vital role grassroots venues fulfilled in his beginning days.

"I personally would not have achieved my current career if it weren't for all the gigs I did around the area, and elsewhere, when I was beginning," remarked Fender. "These locations are renowned, but they are struggling."

From early 2023 onward, at least 150 of these spaces have permanently closed – approximately 16% of the entire UK sector.

Recently, top acts including the band Pulp, the group Coldplay, Katy Perry and Sheeran have all backed the Music Venues Trust in its attempts to keep the scene afloat, by including a small levy to their admission fees, which benefits smaller concert halls.

Fender also participated, generating over £100k on his recent tour to help 38 small stages across Britain.

These funds helped spaces that were confronting imminent closure due to difficulties caused by water damage, fires and personal losses, as well as permit problems, court cases and neighbor objections.

Some locations were granted financial assistance in upgrading facilities and sound and lighting systems that directly benefitted performers and audiences.

"The idea that funds from concerts in large arenas backs the local stages, where it all starts for performers like me, is just sensible," Fender has said.

Fender is among several artists to contribute his Mercury Prize winnings to charitable organizations.

In Pulp earned the prize in the mid-90s for their record the album, lead singer the singer declared that the act would contribute their prize money to the organization War Child.

In 2002, rapper and singer she divided her award across multiple charities, including the children's charity and a Sickle Cell organization.

"Additionally, I donated a £1,000 to Highgate Newtown, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was growing up and they lacked updated gear," she shared with a publication.

Two years ago, Ezra Collective contributed their prize money to the local youth club that nurtured their group, in addition to other local music groups.

Also winners that year they donated their winnings to a multiple sclerosis charity after a acquaintance was identified with the disease.

"The victory was quite enough," stated vocalist the singer. "The cash was the bonus but we could do without the bonus, because we had the honor. So our success touched the lives of others."

In the past week, the MVT revealed it had protected several grassroots venues in the South East, by bringing them into local control.

The first in that area and The Croft in that location were bought under the community ownership initiative, which is supported by Arts Council England and supporters who acquire "stakes" in the properties.