‘The closest I ever thought I’d get to Ed Sheeran is when I looked in the mirror’ 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 Suffolk New College to see one of the county’s favourite sons perform live at The Baths.
The gig saw around 200 students from several Suffolk 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 Brighten The Corners, 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 Suffolk New College are still buzzing after the experience.
Georgette Fawley is a lecturer in music performance at Suffolk New College. She said: “The 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.
“The 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.”
“Our students enjoyed live performances from various artists with differing backgrounds and musical styles.
“None of us knew that Ed was going to be there. I saw him in Norwich back in 2009 – 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.”
Arthur Hurley, 19, from Sutton is on a level 3 music course. He said: “Seeing Ed Sheeran and hearing him say ‘if you work hard, you can fulfil your dreams’ has inspired me. It has given me hope.”
Daria Popescu, 16, from Ipswich is on a level 2 music course. Daria said: “People 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.”
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: “This was a massive person who performed in such a small venue for our benefit – when I got home I just thought – it was such a privilege (to see him).” Rysky, Afterdrive and Esme and Emmerson also played at this event and gave advice to the students during the Q and A.
