Ed Sheeran Surprises Fans in Sheffield
Ed Sheeran delighted hundreds of fans with a surprise outdoor appearance in Sheffield on Sunday. The pop star, born in Halifax, appeared alongside TikTok sensation DJ AG to support Tracks, a group that helps young people break into the music industry.
Supporting Emerging Talent
It comes after the star announced in February that his foundation would award three-year funding to the group. Young people who performed alongside the experienced artists said it meant "the world" and hoped it would help launch their careers. DJ AG, known for his spontaneous performances, said it was "extremely important" to give young talent a platform to "shine".
A Special Performance
DJ AG organized an outdoor music event in Sheffield, where Ed Sheeran performed. The event featured Tracks, a collaboration between the Sheffield Music School and Sheffield Music Hub, which was awarded funding from the Ed Sheeran Foundation. The group’s music broker, Louis Barclay, said the money would help finance a youth club and alternative provision for young people in the area.
Giving Back to the Community
Ed Sheeran’s appearance was a surprise to many, but for some, it was a dream come true. Performers Max, 16, and Jayden, 13, said they had joined Sheeran and AG as part of the music community. "It was crazy, words can’t describe how good it was, it was just crazy," said Max. Jayden added, "They get nervous at the beginning when they’re with great people like this, but it actually feels pretty good to do this."
Inspiration to Young Artists
Ed Sheeran’s visit was not only a treat for his fans but also an inspiration to young artists. Busker Blue Bax, 21, said he was a "massive" Sheeran fan and that the musician was the reason he started playing the guitar. "He’s the reason why I recorded a guitar. He’s the reason why I took up a loop pedal at all," said Blue Bax.
A City United by Music
The three-hour event outside Sheffield Town Hall was described as "brilliant" by City Councilor Tom Hunt. "It really underlines the fact that we are a music city with an incredible family tree of artists who come from the city, but above all that we burst with talent," he said. The event showcased the city’s vibrant music scene and the talent of its young people, giving them a platform to shine.
