鈥楾he closest I ever thought I鈥檇 get to Ed Sheeran is when I looked in the mirror鈥� is what 16-year-old Evan Jarrold from Ipswich said today.
Yet the reality of seeing the actual Ed came true this week as Evan was one of 40 students from 向日葵视频 New College to see one of the county鈥檚 favourite sons perform live at The Baths.
The gig saw around 200 students from several 向日葵视频 schools get to find out about job roles in the music industry.
They got to see Ed and watch live music from several bands before getting hints and tips from a range of performers.
The occasion was organised by , a not for profit organisation based in Ipswich that operates three venues, an annual festival and an ongoing education and training programme.
And staff and students from 向日葵视频 New College are still buzzing after the experience.
Georgette Fawley is a lecturer in music performance at 向日葵视频 New College. She said: 鈥淭he event was all about the music industry, the different paths you can take, and it was also a chance to see some local bands play in a real cool venue.
鈥淭he fact our students got to see live performances from a mixture of people from different genres and take inspiration from them was amazing.
Georgette continued: “The event was an opportunity for students to take part in a real live music event and find out more about roles within the music industry and the different paths you can take to get there.”
鈥淥ur students enjoyed live performances from various artists with differing backgrounds and musical styles.
鈥淣one of us knew that Ed was going to be there. I saw him in Norwich back in 2009 鈥� so it was great to see him again in 2024. His career has developed, but it was brilliant to see he is sticking to his roots and supporting the next generation. I would love to think that there is potential for our students to become the next Ed Sheeran.鈥�
Arthur Hurley, 19, from Sutton is on a level 3 music course. He said: 鈥淪eeing Ed Sheeran and hearing him say 鈥榠f you work hard, you can fulfil your dreams鈥� has inspired me. It has given me hope.鈥�
Daria Popescu, 16, from Ipswich is on a level 2 music course. Daria said: 鈥淧eople asked what guitar Ed uses, what advice he could give us, and he was asked what he did for his first job. Turns out he was a guitar technician. It has given me belief that I can make it as well.鈥�
Evan Jarrold, (who earlier said the closest he would get to Ed would by looking in the mirror, due to the fact he looks a bit like Ed), continued: 鈥淭his was a massive person who performed in such a small venue for our benefit 鈥� when I got home I just thought – it was such a privilege (to see him).鈥� Rysky, Afterdrive and Esme and Emmerson also played at this event and gave advice to the students during the Q and A.
