The Ed Sheerans of tomorrow are playing a free gig in Ipswich this week at the Steamboat Tavern.
The unnamed bands are all students from Suffolk New College and they will be showing off their talents at one of the town’s best live venues on Tuesday 22 October 2024 from 7pm.

One of the students – Jesse Leonard, 16, from Halesworth – has never performed live before.
The level 3 music learner – whose dream is to be a lead guitarist in a band – said: “I’ve never played a gig before so I am nervous but quite excited.”
Jesse – who is influenced by people like Eddie Van Halen – continued: “People should come along to the gig as there will be lots of varieties of music and it will be fun.”
George Eales, 16, from Ipswich is on a level 3 music, performance and production course. George said: “I’m playing drums in two bands. We haven’t got names for the bands yet. We will be playing traditional rock by people like Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Guns N’ Roses. It’s great to be able to gig, get experience play in front of an audience and make some connections. It’s a good opportunity to see young musicians in Suffolk who will be the next generation of rock stars.”

George is also in a band called Happy September and hopes to become successful in the future by playing drums for this up-and-coming outfit.
Marc Harfield, 17, from Ipswich is on the same course as George. Marc is a singer in one of the bands. He said: “We will be playing three covers including Sweet Home Alabama. I’m really looking forward to it. People should come along as there are loads of different songs that people will like and it’s a great venue.
“I think the Suffolk music scene is healthy. Obviously, Ed Sheeran comes from Suffolk, he grew up here and makes you believe that you can make it on a global stage. He started out as a random busker and then made it really big. Hopefully I will be like that one day.”
Marc’s dream is to become the next Elton John.