“That's really Ed Sheeran”: superstar visits city and funds organisations
Ed Sheeran visited Cardiff this January
Photo cred: Cardiff Council
Ed Sheeran surprised young people across Cardiff when he made a whirlwind tour of the city to launch his new foundation earlier this month.
The megastar stopped off at Fitzalan High School, Eastmoors Youth Centre in Splott, and the city-centre youth project Grassroots.
These are among the four city-wide organisations that will receive funding from the first round of grants from the Ed Sheeran Foundation - a UK-wide initiative committed to addressing inequalities in music education.
The singer-songwriter shocked students at Fitzalan High School during their assembly and even treated them to two songs.
Then he moved to Eastmoors Youth Centre where he performed in from of 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.
The singer performed at Fitzalan High School
Photo cred: Cardiff Council
One 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."
Finally, Ed visited Cardiff Youth Service's Grassroots project, where they connected with team members and participants of Sound Progression.
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."
What will be funded?
The foundation has provided funding to Fitzalan High School, Ministry of Life Education and Sound Progression and the Aloud Charity.
The funding will go towards the following projects:
The Aloud Charity - to deliver weekly Only Boys Aloud rehearsals in South Wales
Fitzalan High School - to enhance its music education programs and further collaborations with Only Boys Aloud
Ministry of Life (MOL) Education - to elevate the annual Cardiff Music Conference by incorporating industry speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities
Sound Progression - to expand its city-centre open-access music programs, adding weekend sessions at Grassroots and developing its performance offerings in collaboration with the wider music sector beyond Wales
Carole Blade, company manager of Sound Progression, said: "We are thrilled to be the principal Welsh partner of the Ed Sheeran Foundation. Their support will allow us to expand our city-centre open-access provision to include weekend sessions at Grassroots and further develop our regarded performance programme. Securing three years of funding not only provides stability but also enables us to plan and grow our offerings in collaboration with the wider music sector beyond Wales."
