Ed Sheeran turns up at Ipswich music careers event

Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran made a surprise appearance at a music industry careers event for schoolchildren.

More than 200 high school students from Ipswich attended the event – which showcased careers opportunities – at The Baths venue on Tuesday.

It was hosted by Ipswich education and music provider, Brighten The Corners.

Audiences were entertained by performances from three of Suffolk’s up-and-coming artists before a surprise appearance by Sheeran.

Rapper Ryski, rock band AfterDrive and indie-pop sibling duo Esme Emerson performed and answered questions from the audience.

Esme Emerson, who started their career at Rock Schools run by the Brighten The Corners team and who recently supported Keane on tour, said: “It was such a joy to be part of this event.

“It’s so important that young people have access to music and the arts. Also, we love Ed.”

Brighten The Corners said students had a chance to learn about roles in the music and live events industries, including sound engineering, management and marketing.

Chief executive Joe Bailey said: “We work within one of the most creative and dynamic industries in the UK and hope this event will be the catalyst for future careers.”

Starting out in his own musical career, 33-year-old Sheeran, who lives in nearby Framlingham, would often busk in Ipswich and played at local pubs, often to tiny audiences.