Recognised for playing 27 shows which were instrumental in ensuring many grassroots music venues survived the COVID-19 crisis and which raised close to £300,000, Frank was surprised with the award during the Team MVT ‘Up the O2’ climb.
The MVT Outstanding Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual whose work and life has made an extraordinary and exceptional contribution to the resilience and sustainability of the sector. It is the only award presented by Music Venue Trust.
Mark Davyd, CEO of MVT, said: "With all the venues Frank has helped, and all the people he has inspired to get involved in the Save Our Venues campaign, there was never any doubt about who should receive the award this year. Frank absolutely embodies the motto of MVT during these last 16 months; "People who say it cannot be done should get out of the way of people doing it". Frank put himself right at the coalface of the work to reopen every venue safely, not just raising huge amounts of money but also using his name and reputation to stand front and centre of the fight to bring back live music.
Frank Turner said: "I was totally surprised by Mark and the MVT's sneaky plan to surprise me with the award, and I'm hugely honoured by it. The last year has been so rough for independent music venues, and everyone has worked incredibly hard to turn things around. I'm glad to have been a small part of that."
