Skip to content

Ed Sheeran shocks pupils with surprise performance

Ed Sheeran performed in Edinburgh to launch his new charity foundation

Ed Sheeran surprised a youth choir in Edinburgh by joining youngsters for a performance of one of his number one songs.

The music superstar helped pupils from five schools with their rendition of Bad Habits as part of a 100-piece choir at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre on Friday.

Members of the choir were left stunned by the appearance.

One said there had been "tears of happiness" when the 33-year-old walked in to join them.

Sheeran was in the city to launch his new charity foundation, which advocates musical education at schools across the UK.

The Ed Sheeran Foundation aims to improve access to music for more than 12,000 children and young people, providing them with instruments, performance opportunities and pathways into the industry.

Mark Surridge A school gymnasium with green floors and white, red and blue sports markings. Ed Sheeran is standing in the foreground with his back to the camera. He has orange hair and is wearing a black top with multi-coloured palm trees on the back. Another adult is wearing a green vest with white trousers and dark-coloured boots. In the background is a choir of children. Most in the front row are wearing blue jumpers and dark trousers.Mark Surridge
Sheeran joined the choir for a performance of number one hit "Bad Habits"

He also joined a youth club at Muirhouse Library to offer advice to aspiring musicians.

The 100-piece choir was formed of pupils from schools in the north of the city, including Forthview Primary School, Craigroyston Primary School, Pirniehall Primary School, St David's RC Primary School and Craigroyston High School.

Bad Habits spent 11 weeks at the top of the UK singles chart when it was released in 2021 and was nominated for a Grammy Award for best song.

Lily and friend Alex, from Pirniehill Primary School, said they were told a special guest was coming to visit them on Friday morning, adding the pair "thought it was Taylor Swift".

But they were shocked when they were told he was "ginger" and Sheeran arrived during the choir's performance.

Lily said: "He came in and we all started screaming and there were happy tears."

Alex said: "We were just in shock when we saw Ed Sheeran come in, we were all in shock I think."

Fellow singer Rhian, from Craigroyston High School, added: "Singing with him is something we'll always remember."

Free music tuition

Both the choir and the youth club form part of the Tinderbox Collective, which provides access to instruments and performance space for up-and-coming musicians who may not have had access to opportunities.

School pupils in Scotland from P5 - S6 have been able to access free music tuition since August 2021.

Sheeran also appeared for a surprise performances in Cardiff as part of the launch of the foundation earlier this week.

He said: "It is so important to have brilliant music education both in and out of school.

"It's great to hear that music tuition is now free in all schools in Scotland, but it is not reaching everyone and we need to do everything we can to make sure it is accessible and inspiring for all children and young people."