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‘Amazing’ that Ed Sheeran’s foundation expanding to island of Ireland
Ed Sheeran’s foundation is expanding its work to the island of Ireland, beginning by funding North South Sounds 2026, a project linking young musicians in Belfast and Cork. The initiative matters because it aims to widen access to music education and performance opportunities, while encouraging cross-border collaboration among young people.
Fifty musicians aged 13 to 17 from Belfast’s Oh Yeah Centre and Cork’s Music Generation have worked together and are scheduled to perform at the Oh Yeah Centre and Cork City Hall during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Sheeran, whose father is from Belfast, said Ireland is special to him and that every child should be able to take part in music; participants and organisers said mentoring and encouragement are vital for emerging musicians.
In short
- Sheeran’s foundation is expanding into Ireland and Northern Ireland.
- First project brings 50 young Belfast and Cork musicians together.
- Performances are planned during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Explained simply
Ed Sheeran is a major musician whose foundation supports young people's access to music education and performance opportunities. Music education is important because it helps develop young people's skills, confidence and cultural understanding, particularly when it involves collaboration and mentoring.
Sheeran, whose father is from Belfast, has said that Ireland is special to him and that every child should be able to participate in music. The foundation is expanding to the island of Ireland through North South Sounds 2026, a project bringing young musicians from Belfast and Cork together to encourage cross-border cooperation and widen access to music education.
The project involves fifty young musicians aged thirteen to seventeen from organisations including the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast and Music Generation in Cork. Mentoring and encouragement from experienced musicians are vital for helping young people develop their abilities and confidence, according to those involved.