Ed Sheeran surprises Sheffield College students with impromptu gig

Ed Sheeran dropped in on students at The Sheffield College and Red Tape Studios

Global superstar Ed Sheeran has surprised music students with an impromptu performance at a college.

The multi-Grammy Award winner dropped into The Sheffield College to meet young people and answer questions about the industry.

He performed songs such as The Shape of You alongside students

Brad Lyne, 18, who rapped with Sheeran on stage on Thursday, said: "It was so cool. He's a global superstar and an absolute legend."

Earlier in the day, Sheeran visited Red Tape Studios on Shoreham Street and spoke to young musicians completing the Tracks course run by Sheffield Music School.

The visit was organised in collaboration with Sheffield City Council.

Angela Foulkes, chief executive and principal at The Sheffield College, said it was "fantastic".

"It's not every day that a global singer songwriter drops by to share their talent, knowledge and expertise with students to help them go further in their careers," she said.

Lol Bailey was performing Shape of You when Sheeran walked onto the stage

At the Hillsborough campus, students "couldn't believe it" when he walked on stage, said curriculum manager for music Matthew Henley.

"It was an honour to meet Ed Sheeran," he said. "It was an inspirational experience [students] will never forget."

Student Lol Bailey, 19, who was performing Shape of You when Sheeran walked onto the stage, said it was "brilliant", despite his surprise appearance "really throwing me off".

Wisdom Ohue, 19, who performs by the name Wisdom-Wizzystar, added: "I was really shocked when he walked on stage. I wasn't expecting it at all."

The college, which sets students up for careers as DJs, composers performers, and producers, offers diplomas up to degrees as part of their courses.