Ed Sheeran foundation set to expand to Ireland

'Shape Of You' singer Ed Sheeran has announced he is expanding his foundation into Ireland and funding a project called North South Sounds 2026. Set to bring 50 young musicians from Belfast and Cork together, it will be a collaboration between the Ed Sheeran Foundation (ESF), Music Generation Cork City, and the Oh Yeah Centre.

Running from July to December 2026, the programme will connect children and young people aged 13-17 from the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast and young people from Music Generation in Cork through a shared music initiative centred on songwriting, performance, and community engagement.

The expansion will see gigs at the Oh Yeah Centre and City Hall during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on Monday 3rd August at 2 pm.

Sheeran, who is no stranger to Ireland with his Irish heritage on his father's side, aims to support the teaching of music and increase opportunities for young musicians. Having previously visited Belfast to meet young rappers and performers after the launch of his foundation in the rest of the UK, Sheeran shared that Ireland was a "special" place for him.

Ed spoke about this expansion to Ireland, sharing, "Every child should have the opportunity to learn and take part in music, and we're continuing our work to help make that a reality. The first project kicks off at the Fleadh on Monday. I played the festival last year and have such fond memories of it. If you're there, go and check out some of the incredible young talent."

The youth engagement manager at Oh Yeah, Chelsea Andrews, said it was "amazing" that Sheeran was backing grassroots music in the cities.

The Ed Sheeran Foundation (ESF) is dedicated to supporting music education in state schools and grassroots organisations, particularly in areas where it is less accessible. By promoting inclusivity and fostering high-quality music education, the foundation aims to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to explore their potential through music.

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Header image credit: Ed Sheeran / Facebook.com