Ed Sheeran surprises primary school with gig

Ed Sheeran visited Fairlight Primary and Nursery School in Brighton

Pop star Ed Sheeran has performed a surprise gig at a primary school in East Sussex.

The superstar singer spoke with pupils during their music lessons at Fairlight Primary and Nursery School in Brighton – even donating five of his guitars.

Head teacher Damien Jordan said the musician spoke about his career and the importance of music education.

“Taylor Swift will be in next week, and then Beyoncé the week after,” Mr Jordan joked.

Head teacher Damien Jordan said the pop star spoke about the importance of music education

He said none of the students and few of the staff knew about the visit in advance, and he was only told who the mystery visitor was the day before.

“I was told that a famous singer wanted to see the music classes at the school,” he told BBC Radio Sussex.

“I joked with the children that I had bought my mate along, and Ed Sheeran was there. Their faces were amazing when we opened the door.

“He was absolutely brilliant, an amazing person and very humble.”

Ed Sheeran performed at Fairlight Primary and Nursery School in Brighton

The visit was arranged by Create Music, a project run by the Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival which aims to provide inclusive music and arts education.

Four-time Grammy Award winner Sheeran spoke with a number of pupils and then performed three of his top hits at an assembly.

Mr Jordan added: “This week is SATs week, so the year six children will be sitting doing exams.

“When you’re 20, 30, 40, or even older, I don’t think you’re going to remember the exams. You’re going to remember Ed Sheeran coming to your school.”

Peter Chivers, director of Create Music, said: “Ed shares our belief that lives can be transformed by the power of music.

"We are so grateful for his support and for the generous donation of instruments to help other budding musicians on their way.”

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