Brighton, UK – Global music icon Ed Sheeran surprised students at a primary school in Brighton with a surprise performance and a generous donation of musical instruments. The event, organized by Create Music, a local music education organization, aimed to inspire young musicians and highlight the importance of music education.
Ed Sheeran performing for students at Fairlight Primary and Nursery School.
Sheeran’s visit to Fairlight Primary and Nursery School was a closely guarded secret, with students and most staff unaware of the special guest until his arrival. Headteacher Damien Jordan shared with BBC Radio Sussex that the children were astonished by Sheeran’s appearance, adding that the staff had only been informed the day before.
During his visit, Sheeran treated the students to a three-song acoustic set, delighting the young audience with his chart-topping hits.
“We got Shivers! The one and only @edsheeran visited Create Music at Fairlight School in Brighton today!” Create Music announced on Twitter, alongside images of the event. “Ed met the students, performed a short set and even donated guitars to help us support other young people on their musical journey. Thanks Ed – today was Perfect!”
Beyond the performance, Sheeran took the time to interact with the students individually, sharing anecdotes about his musical journey and offering words of encouragement. Adding to the excitement, the singer-songwriter donated five of his guitars to the school, a gesture aimed at nurturing the next generation of musical talent.
“Ed shares our belief that lives can be transformed by the power of music,” stated Peter Chivers, director of Create Music. “We are so grateful for his support and for the generous donation of instruments to help other budding musicians on their way.”
Photographer Sadie Avard, who documented the event, shared her perspective on Instagram, highlighting the palpable excitement among the students during Sheeran’s visit. She described the singer’s address to the students as an “inspirational speech,” one that deeply resonated with her own experiences in school.
“His main message was not to be disillusioned by school if you don’t [quite] fit the expectations of academic life,” Avard recounted. “Don’t let it stop you from pursuing the things you love and turning them into your career. To find inspiration from others in the industry and work even harder than they do to become the best.”
This act of generosity is not an isolated incident for the Grammy Award-winning artist. Sheeran has consistently demonstrated his commitment to supporting music education, notably through his work with the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation.
In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, he surprised primary school students in South London with a virtual music lesson. Later, it was revealed that he had donated a substantial £170,000 to equip the school with essential musical instruments for its students.
Sheeran’s recent visit to Fairlight Primary and Nursery School exemplifies his dedication to fostering musical aspirations in young minds. His actions serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact music can have and the importance of providing opportunities for the next generation of musicians to flourish.
