Ed Sheeran Foundation Expands to Ireland, Funding North South Sounds 2026
Ed Sheeran's foundation is broadening its initiatives in Ireland by supporting North South Sounds 2026, which unites 50 young artists from Belfast and Cork. This program, featuring teenagers aged 13 to 17, allows participants from the Oh Yeah Centre and Music Generation to showcase their talents at the Oh Yeah Centre and City Hall as part of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on Monday. Chelsea Andrews, youth engagement manager at Oh Yeah, praised Sheeran's dedication to fostering grassroots music. Workshops led by Cheylene Murphy of Beauty Sleep will encourage participants to reflect on the significance of Irish music. The Future Sounds of Belfast Showcase is scheduled for Monday, August 3, at 14:00 BST.
Key facts
- Ed Sheeran Foundation expands to island of Ireland
- Initially funds North South Sounds 2026
- Brings 50 young musicians from Belfast and Cork together
- Young people aged 13-17 from Oh Yeah Centre and Music Generation
- Performances at Oh Yeah Centre and City Hall during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on Monday
- Chelsea Andrews says it's 'amazing' that Sheeran backs grassroots music
- Sheeran's father is from Belfast
- Sheeran played surprise gig at 2025 Fleadh in Wexford
- Workshops led by Cheylene Murphy from Beauty Sleep
- Future Sounds of Belfast Showcase on Monday 3 August at 14:00 BST
Entities
Artists
- Ed Sheeran
- Chelsea Andrews
- Cheylene Murphy
- Avery
- Manas
Institutions
- Ed Sheeran Foundation
- Oh Yeah Centre
- Music Generation
- Kabin Studio
- Creative Tradition
- Beauty Sleep
- The Ladies-Men
- BBC News NI
Locations
- Belfast
- Cork
- Ireland
- Northern Ireland
- Wexford