AfterDrive played with Ed Sheeran at The Baths in Ipswich (Image: AfterDrive)
Members of a band from Ipswich say that playing at Ed Sheeran’s recent surprise gig was “unreal” and are glad about its focus on “inspiring the next generation”.

Brighten the Corners hosted 200 schoolchildren for a music industry showcase event at The Baths on Tuesday, November 19, with pupils learning about roles behind the scenes in music.

Ipswich group AfterDrive, which was only formed in 2022, had the opportunity to play with Sheeran before his surprise gig at the venue in Civic Drive.

The band said meeting Ed Sheeran was “unreal”  (Image: Nick Ilott)The band said in a statement: “Meeting Ed Sheeran at our gig was unreal.

“As a band from Ipswich, we have always looked up to him, his song-writing is next level, and he’s always repped Suffolk with so much pride.

“Seeing someone from the same area absolutely smash it on a global scale inspires us to keep pushing, knowing our goals are within reach.”

The further complimented Brighten the Corners and said: “It’s all about inspiring the next generation to get creative and jump into music.

“Brighten the Corners has been there for us since day one and we might even be the only band to have played all their venues.”

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy were also present during the gig, with Mr Abbott previously having talked about the importance of grassroots music to create the next Ed Sheeran.

AfterDrive has also recently released its latest studio album, called Cars, which has already made its way to BBC Introducing Suffolk and Norfolk’s Track of the Week and featured on BBC Radio 1.