> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Ed Sheeran makes surprise appearance at Ipswich school event
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/ed-sheeran-makes-surprise-appearance-at-ipswich-school-event/
- Published: 2024-11-19T17:19:37.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:29:58.000Z
- Description: Global superstar Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths on Tuesday, joining local artists at a music industry careers showcase.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Music, #article, Ed Sheeran, Joe Bailey, Brighten the Corners, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**Why it matters:** The event exposed young people to the diverse range of career opportunities in the live music industry, from sound engineering to stage management.

**The big picture:** The showcase, organised by Brighten The Corners in collaboration with Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub and Wolsey 550, brought together students from five local schools.

![Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1732036350-ed-sheeran-at-the-baths-5.jpg)

Global superstar Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths Photo: Ella Calver (Brighten the Corners)

**Key details:**

- Three emerging Suffolk acts performed: rapper Ryski, indie rock band AfterDrive, and pop duo Esme Emerson.
- Students participated in artist Q&As before watching 15-minute performances.
- The event focused on behind-the-scenes roles that support live music events.

![Pop duo Esme Emerson performed at The Baths in Ipswich](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1732036648-esme-emerson-by-ella-calver.jpg)

Pop duo Esme Emerson performed at the event Photo: Ella Calver

**What they're saying:** "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 whether on or behind the stage," said Joe Bailey, CEO of Brighten The Corners.

**Go deeper:** Brighten The Corners runs education programmes across three Ipswich venues, offering training and volunteering opportunities to young people aged 16 and above. You can find out more about them [here](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/here/).

![Ed answered questions from students before his impromptu performance](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1732036640-hh-november-12-24-greyhound-creative.jpg)

Ed answered questions from students before his impromptu performance Photo: Ella Calver

**The bottom line:** The surprise appearance by Ed Sheeran capped off an afternoon designed to inspire the next generation of music industry professionals in Suffolk.

### Independent local journalism is expensive to produce

It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners.