Ed Sheeran performs a surprise concert at a primary school

Ed Sheeran played a surprise concert – at a primary school. The superstar turned up at Fairlight Primary School in Brighton last Friday (May 10) to meet pupils during their music lessons.

He held a mini concert during the assembly – performing chart-topping hits Shape Of You, Bad Habits and Perfect – and later spoke to students about his career and the importance of music education.

The four-time Grammy winner even donated five of his guitars to the school in hopes of inspiring young musicians. Headteacher Damien Jordan said none of the staff or students knew about the visit in advance – and he himself only found out a day before Sheeran’s arrival.

“I was told that a famous singer wanted to see the music lessons at the school,” Jordan told the BBC. “I joked with the kids that I bought my partner and then Ed Sheeran was there.”

Mr Jordan said he hoped the children would remember the experience for the rest of their lives. And he joked: “Taylor Swift will be next week and then Beyoncé the week after that.”

The visit was organized by Create Music, a project led by Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival which aims to provide inclusive music and arts education. Sadie Avard was invited to photograph the visit.

She posted on Instagram: “Ed gave us all an inspirational speech that resonated so much with my own experience at school. His main message was not to be disappointed in school if you don’t quite fit the expectations of academic life.

“Don’t let it stop you from pursuing the things you love and turning them into your career. To find inspiration from others in the industry and work even harder than them to become the best.”