Ella Calver Man with a ginger hair and beard holds a guitar and stands before a microphone. He is strumming the guitar and is wearing a pale green sweatshirt. He is on a stage and is lit from behind in a darkened room.
Ella Calver

Ed Sheeran played to the crowd following performances from three up-and-coming local acts

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

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

It was hosted by Ipswich education and music promoter, Brighten The Corners, which runs an annual multi-venue music festival in the town.

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

Ella Calver Young female and male lean into each other as they sing on a stage. The woman wears glasses and holds a microphone and the man plays a guitar. Another guitarist is playing on stage too.
Ella Calver

Suffolk indie-pop duo Esme Emerson warmed up the crowds at The Baths, at the top of Civic Drive

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.”

Ella Calver A concert sees man with guitar singing to crowd. It is dark and only silhouette of heads care seen.
Ella Calver

More than 200 unsuspecting guests were greeted by a sudden appearance from global superstar Sheeran

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 is from Framlingham in Suffolk, would often busk in Ipswich and played at local pubs such as The Swan and Steamboat Tavern, often to tiny audiences.