Ed Sheeran Foundation expands into Ireland and funds its first cross-border music project

The Ed Sheeran Foundation (ESF) has announced its expansion into Ireland with the launch of its first-ever Irish and cross-border  project, 'North South Sounds 2026'.

Created in partnership with Music Generation Cork City and Belfast's Oh Yeah Centre, the cross-border initiative will connect 150 children and young people from Cork and Belfast through songwriting, performance and community engagement between July and December 2026.

The programme will launch on August 3 at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, where 50 young people will perform at Belfast City Hall, premiering a series of collaborative musical pieces developed through workshops in the lead-up to the festival.

"I'm so happy to be bringing the Ed Sheeran Foundation to Ireland," Sheeran said.

"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."

Throughout the six-month programme, participants will collaborate across musical traditions, blending elements of traditional Irish and folk music with genres including hip-hop, pop and rock. The initiative will culminate in youth-led performances in both Cork and Belfast, while non-residential summer camps will extend participation to an additional 100 young people.

Music sessions will be delivered by educators from Music Generation Cork City in partnership with Creative Tradition and The Kabin Studio, alongside the Oh Yeah Centre.

The Ed Sheeran Foundation supports music education in state schools and grassroots organisations, helping to ensure every young person has the opportunity to explore their potential through music. Since launching in England in January 2025, the foundation has backed 22 grassroots organisations and youth clubs, while also campaigning for greater access to music education.

Last year, Sheeran successfully called for reforms to England's music curriculum through an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, prompting a government commitment to its first major curriculum update in more than a decade. Earlier this month, the foundation also helped inspire the UK Government's new £12.5 million Music in Libraries scheme, which aims to expand access to music education through public libraries.