Ed Sheeran is bringing his charity, The Ed Sheeran Foundation, to Ireland.
He originally launched The Ed Sheeran Suffolk Foundation in 2019 before launching a UK wide charity in 2025.
Now he is bringing the foundation to Ireland this summer.
It will be funding its first overseas project, North South Sounds 2026.
A first-of-its-kind initiative for the Ed Sheeran Foundation, North South Sounds 2026 is a cross-border collaboration between the Ed Sheeran Foundation (ESF), Music Generation Cork City, and the Oh Yeah Centre.
Running from July to December 2026, the programme will connect children and young people from opposite corners of the island of Ireland through a shared music initiative centred on songwriting, performance, and community engagement.
North South Sounds 2026 will champion creative curiosity by encouraging young musicians to blend influences and genres, merging elements of traditional Irish and folk music with other genres such as hip-hop, pop, and rock to generate something entirely fresh.
It will celebrate local heritage, social inclusion and self-expression, engaging young people who might otherwise lack access to music creation, instrumental tuition and performance opportunities.
Throughout the project, the children and young people’s music making will be facilitated by an impressive team of musical educators from Music Generation Cork City in partnership with Creative Tradition and The Kabin Studio alongside the Oh Yeah Centre.
The project will launch with performances by 50 young people at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on 3rd August at Belfast City Hall, where they will premiere a series of collaborative musical fusions, developed through workshops in the lead-up to the festival.
Speaking about the foundation, Ed said: “I’m so happy to be bringing the Ed Sheeran Foundation to Ireland. I’ve spent loads of time in the country over the years.
“Having family roots there, it’s a place that’s always been special to me. Every child should have the opportunity to learn and take part in music, and we’re continuing our work to help make that a reality. The first project kicks off at The Fleadh on Monday. I played the festival last year and have such fond memories of it. If you’re there, go and check out some of the incredible young talent.”
