Pop superstar Ed Sheeran surprised pupils at Fairlight Primary School in Brighton on Friday 10 May with an impromptu visit to see a music education project in action.
During the visit Sheeran sat in on some music lessons, took part in Q&A sessions, and also performed a short set for the pupils and their teachers, including global hits such as Shape of You, Perfect and Bad Habits.
Before he left, Sheeran also donated a set of guitars to the school and Create Music, which will be used to support other young people on their musical journey.
Peter Chivers, Director of Create Music, said:
“It was just brilliant to have Ed Sheeran visit the Create Music project at Fairlight School and see first-hand how music education is supporting the development of children and young people in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex. Ed shares our belief that lives can be transformed by the power of music and we are so grateful for his support and for the generous donation of instruments to help other budding musicians on their way.”
Damien Jordan, Headteacher, Fairlight Primary School said:
“Ed Sheeran coming to Fairlight Primary School isn't an everyday thing, despite me claiming he was one of my celebrity mates! He was amazing with everyone he met - interested in them, chatting to them and he was very humble. He took time to listen to the children and encourage them. He told us how he struggled at school but how music helped him and encouraged him and how he now wanted to do the same.
At Fairlight we have 60 children who do individual music instrument tuition every week with Create Music, as well as wider music lessons. During Ed’s visit the children taught him how to play We Will Rock You on a glockenspiel, which he loved!
The children left school telling their parents all about it and no one believed them. But it was 100% true - you had to be there to believe it.”
Image credit: Chloe Hashemi
