The Ed Sheeran Foundation (ESF) launched its North South Sounds 2026 programme on Monday at the Fleadh in Belfast, according to a report by The Irish World.
The initiative is a cross‑border partnership with Music Generation Cork City and the Oh Yeah Centre, and will run from July through December, connecting children and young people from all parts of Ireland through collaborative music projects focused on songwriting, performance and community engagement.
Fifty participants will perform at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on August 3 at Belfast City Hall, showcasing collaborative fusions developed in workshops led by musical educators from Music Generation Cork City, Creative Tradition, The Kabin Studio and the Oh Yeah Centre.
Additional components include youth‑led gigs in Cork and Belfast and summer camps for another 100 young people, designed to blend traditional Irish and folk influences with hip‑hop, pop and rock while promoting social inclusion and self‑expression.
The ESF, which supports music education in state schools and grassroots organisations where access is limited, has previously backed 22 grassroots groups and youth clubs in England. The foundation’s broader work includes co‑designing the UK government’s £12.5 million Music in Libraries programme with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
Sheeran, whose family roots trace to Belfast and Wexford, said the launch reflects his long‑standing connection to Ireland and his commitment to ensuring every child can explore music.
For more information, visit theirishworld.com.