“The idea that money from shows in big venues supports the smaller venues is just common sense”: Sam Fender’s arena tour raises over £100,000 to save UK grassroots venuesSam Fender’s recent arena tour has done more than fill stadiums – it’s also raised vital funds for the UK’s independent music scene. Over £100,000 from ticket sales will now support 38 grassroots venues across England, Scotland, and Wales, helping sustain a live music network that’s been decimated by rising costs.
Funds come via the Music Venue Trust’s Lifeline Fund, which was launched in 2023 to channel contributions from arena and stadium tours directly into small venues, promoters, and artists. Artists who have participated in the scheme include Coldplay, Katy Perry, and Enter Shikari.

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Grassroot venues across the UK have struggled in recent years with rising rents, increased licensing and regulatory pressures, and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2023 being the worst year on record with 125 grassroots music venues shutting their doors.
According to the Music Venue Trust, Fender’s contribution has provided “urgent emergency assistance alongside essential improvement grants, forming a full programme of support that protects, secures, and improves the grassroots ecosystem”.
19 venues have received emergency funding to avoid imminent closures, helping tackle challenges such as licensing and legal disputes, financial crises, noise complaints, or sudden emergencies like floods and fires.
Another 19 venues were also awarded over £50,000 in direct improvement grants, funding upgrades to facilities, technical equipment, and infrastructure that benefit artists, staff, and audiences alike.
Venues to benefit include London’s Paper Dress Vintage, Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff, Glasgow’s Sub Club and the White Hotel in Manchester.
Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust, praised the 31-year-old’s contribution: “This remarkable contribution from Sam Fender, his management, and his team has created a real and lasting impact on the grassroots music ecosystem.”
“These venues are the places where artists like Sam take their first steps, where local communities come together, and where live music truly begins. By investing directly into their future, we are strengthening the entire live music sector.”
Fender himself added, “It’s brilliant to see that the money raised from the arena tour is making a real difference to so many venues.”
“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.”
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