Ed Sheeran supports Shefield
Victoria Sher and Peter Reed

BBC News, Yorkshire

BBC

Ed Sheeran comes to Shefield to support DJ AG and music group tracks

Singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran excited hundreds of fans on Sunday after a surprise outdoor performance in Sheffield.

The Halifax-born pop star appeared with Tiktok Sensation DJ AG to support the track – a group that can help young people break into the music industry.

This is after the foundation announced in February's "Your Shape" that his foundation will grant the group three years of funding.

Young people who perform with experienced artists say this means the world and hope that this will help kickstart their careers.

London's AG attracted big names for its improvisation, which he announced in a short time on social media channels.

He said giving young talents a platform is "extremely important", that is, "allowing them to "glow".

A man standing on the street wearing a red coat and letters "Ag" On his chest. He holds the peace sign.

DJ AG hosted an outdoor music event in Sheffield on Sunday, performing by Ed Sheeran

"It has nothing to do with me, I'm just a facilitator who shows my talents, trying to help, doing everything I can, and hoping everyone has a good time," he said.

The event also saw tracks released from seven students with their new single Spotlight.

A ginger man pushed into a crowd holding a phone. He wore a black leather jacket with fur around his collar and a white T-shirt.

Ed Sheeran in Sheeran

Athletics performers Max, 16, and Jayden, 13, said joining Sheeran and AG made them feel like they were part of the music industry.

"It's crazy, words can't describe how it's manifested, it's just anger," Max said.

Jaden added: “When you’re with big guys like this, you get nervous, but it’s actually great to do it.”

"I'm so excited. I've never seen him before, he's one of the best people I've ever met, and I mean from the deepest point of view in my heart."

Two little boys stood in front of the crowd. They pointed at each other, and each wore a yellow wristband.

Emerging artists Max and Jaden say Ed Sheeran is “so supportive”

The collaborative repertoire between Sheffield Music School and Sheffield Music Center was funded by the Ed Sheeran Foundation earlier this year.

Louis Barclay, the group’s music host, said the money would help provide youth clubs and more alternative terms for young people in the area.

"It started with Ed visiting the track and seeing what we do," he said.

“I think he just feels the spirit of what we do and sees it’s something he wants to support.”

A person stands in a square surrounded by people. He wore a black hoodie and a wool coat.

Tracks music host Louis Barclay said Ed Sheeran Foundation funding will "go a long way"

Kim Simpson, an onlooker who has been following Sheeran’s career since the bustling era, said she hopes the show will give the North “more names” and involve young people in the city’s music scene.

“What he is doing, getting young rappers to perform, supporting them to bring a new generation of musicians – perfect for watching,” she said.

A woman stands in the square. Her hair reached over her shoulders and was wearing a black T-shirt and a black cardigan. She has a tattoo on her upper left arm and she wears a bag.

Ed Sheeran fan Kim Simpson said her roommate told her Sunday's surprise show

Busker Blue Bax said he was a "huge" Sheeran fan, adding that the musician was his inspiration.

"He's why I picked up the guitar, and that's why I'm totally picking up the loop pedal," the 21-year-old said.

“When I discovered this problem, I rushed over immediately.”

A ginger hair wearing a black markered white t-shirt is surrounded by people.

Sheeran spent three hours at Sheffield Town Hall

Sheffield City Council leader Tom Hunt was also among the crowd, describing the three-hour event as “glorious.”

"It does emphasize the fact that we are a music city with an incredible arts lineage, but more importantly, we are full of talent," he said.

“There are a lot of young people, performers doing all kinds of music in the city, and if given the spotlight, like being given to them tonight, will continue to shine.”