Music icon, Ed Sheeran, surprises Cardiff school to launch new foundation
Ed Sheeran surprised young people from four Cardiff-based organisations when he made a whirlwind tour of the city to launch his new foundation
Ed Sheeran surprised young people from four Cardiff-based organisations when he made a whirlwind tour of the city to launch his new foundation, stopping off at Fitzalan High School, Eastmoors Youth Centre in Splott, and the city-centre youth project Grassroots.
Accompanied by his longtime songwriting partner and Aloud Ambassador, Wales-based Amy Wadge and leaving a trail of inspiration and excitement in his wake, Ed kicked off the surprise tour with a special guest appearance during Fitzalan High School's assembly.
From there, Ed and Amy headed to Eastmoors Youth Centre, where they met with Ministry of Life Education music students, an alternative provision of informal music and media opportunities for young people who have moved away from mainstream education.
Ed sat down with staff from the project and discussed the barriers young people face when trying to engage with music education before walking in on 35 astonished young people and joining them in a jam. He was also treated to standout performances from young local talents, including Jessika Kay and Kors.
One MOL Education student, Ryan from Splott said "I can't believe it. That's really Ed Sheeran in Eastmoors. I'm going to be telling my grandkids about this when I'm older"
The tour's final stop was Cardiff Youth Service's Grassroots project, where they connected with team members and participants of Sound Progression, a local youth music charity working in partnership with Cardiff Youth Service who provide free music education across the city.
Ed and Amy were given a guided tour of the various music studios and spaces and treated to impromptu performances featuring 15 talented young musicians.
Sound Progression's founder Paul Lyons said "As each door was opened Ed was greeted by surprised young people who were busy creating music and weren't expecting to see him. The shock on their faces was gold dust".
One participant shared their excitement: "I couldn't believe it when I saw Ed walk in. Having someone like him take the time to hear us perform was incredible."
Another, 15-year-old rapper from Splott, said, "It was amazing to meet one of my idols and share my music with him. This experience has inspired me to keep going."
The visit marked the official launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a UK-wide initiative committed to addressing inequalities in music education by supporting state schools and grassroots music organisations, particularly in underserved areas and designed to support youth music education across the UK through grant-making, raising awareness, and fostering collaborations.
Speaking about the foundation, Ed said: "Music education has shaped who I am. I've always enjoyed playing music, and it's led to some of the best moments of my life" The Ed Sheeran Foundation is about breaking down barriers and opening doors to creativity."
As part of the foundation's first wave of grants, four Cardiff-based organisations received funding. Beneficiaries include the Aloud Charity, Fitzalan High School, and Ministry of Life Education, with a significant multi-year grant awarded to Sound Progression.