CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh

Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh with visit to Tinderbox Collective to launch his new Foundation supporting music education.

Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh

Article Source: Tinderbox Collective
Last Updated: 10 January 2025 17:00

Edinburgh, UK – Global pop superstar and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran wowed children and young people in the Muirhouse area of Edinburgh on Friday 10th January with a surprise visit to local music initiative, Tinderbox Collective. The secret visit formed part of the launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a new music education initiative setting out to support and develop young talent and make music accessible to all.

During his visit, Sheeran stunned a local youth club at Muirhouse Library, where he joined a group of young people trying out different instruments, and chatted to them about his journey, offering tips to aspiring musicians.

Maxwell from Craigroyston High School said:
“We were absolutely shocked. I’ve always admired Ed Sheeran and the way he sings and his music. I want to do music and now I feel even more motivated.”

A member of the Tinderbox Collective, Anno said:
“Unbelievable. I really like Ed and I listen to his music. Just to see him right now is amazing. Crazy. Inspiring.”

Muirhouse Library was the first of Scotland’s “We Make Music Instrument Libraries”
– an initiative to get musical instruments into public libraries so people can borrow them for free, just like taking out a book. The initiative was established by Tinderbox Collective in partnership with Scotland’s Music Education Partnership Group and has since spread to over 30 libraries in 12 local authorities across Scotland. The ambition to spread this as widely as possible across the country continues, and other libraries or library services interested in joining this programme and offering instruments as part of their service should get in touch.

Sheeran then joined a 100-piece choir at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre made up of pupils from Forthview Primary School, Craigroyston Primary School, Pirniehall Primary School, St David’s RC Primary School and Craigroyston High School, and performed Sheeran’s hit single ‘Bad Habits’ with young rappers, singers and musicians from Tinderbox’s wider music programme.

Rhian from Craigroyston High School said: “Singing with him is something we’ll always remember.”

“He came in and we all started screaming and there were happy tears.” added Lily from Pirniehall Primary School

The visit to Edinburgh marked the official launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, an initiative designed to support youth music education across the UK through grant-making, raising awareness, and fostering collaborations.

Speaking about the foundation, Sheeran said:
“Music education has shaped who i am. I’ve always enjoyed playing music, and it’s led to some of the best moments of my life.”

As one of the first organisations across the UK to benefit, the foundation will support Tinderbox’s “Live in Libraries” tour to help kickstart Instrument Libraries around the UK, as well as elements of its signature programmes including its multi-genre orchestra, music technology lab and youth music hub.

Tinderbox Collective is a local charity offering a vibrant and inclusive space for young musicians who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities. From creative youth clubs filled with instruments, bands, song-writers and game design, to their flagship 20-piece Tinderbox Orchestra, their work builds a strong sense of community that has a profound impact on the lives of budding young artists.

Ed Sheeran’s visit underscores the importance of music education and the positive impact of making it accessible to all. In Scotland, a successful campaign to make instrumental tuition in schools free across the country was adopted by all parties in the last Scottish elections, and research from “What’s Going on Now” - a report on youth music in Scotland - has shown that over 100,000 more young people would take up opportunities to learn music if the service was expanded.

Sheeran added:
“It is so important to have brilliant music education both in and out of school. It’s great to hear that music tuition is now free in all schools in Scotland, but it is not reaching everyone and we need to do everything we can to make sure it is accessible and inspiring for all children and young people.”

Jack Nissan, Director of Tinderbox Collective, said:
“Ed’s visit was so inspiring for all the young musicians in Tinderbox and it’s fantastic to have him advocate for music education and help build links with the wider music industry. We need to work together across schools, the community and the industry to fill music education with as much energy, diversity and creativity as possible, and to make sure that it is accessible, relevant and inspiring for everyone.”

Councillor Joan Griffiths, education, children and families convenor at the City of Edinburgh Council said:
“We are committed to nurturing and encouraging local music talent in our city. In Edinburgh around 5,000 pupils currently receive free instrumental music tuition, with over 19,000 receiving free whole class music through the Youth Music Initiative. There is always more that can be done to make learning an instrument and access to music education more inclusive. Programmes run by Tinderbox Collective open up musical opportunities for youngsters who may not otherwise have had the chance, bringing young people and the wider community together. It’s fantastic to see Ed’s commitment to using his platform to champion accessibility to music and I have no doubt that he will have inspired all those he has met in Edinburgh.”

Mae Murray from Scotland’s Music Education Partnership Group said:
“It is amazing to have Ed Sheeran visit young people in Scotland and help advocate for music education here. In 2021 we won a campaign to make music tuition free in all Scottish schools, but we still don’t reach all of Scotland’s young people, and we need more investment both in school and in the community to ensure that music is accessible to everyone.”

Image credit: Mark Surridge

Sponsored Links

Open Pass Scotland
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
Fayre Play
Renfrewshire Council
Paisley First

Latest Edinburgh News

DofE Gold Award holders were guests of honour at The Palace of Holyroodhouse

DofE Gold Award holders were guests of honour at The Palace of Holyroodhouse

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh welcomed Gold DofE Award holders to The Palace of Holyroodhouse this morning at a very special event to mark their achievements.

READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.

READ MORE
Capital Theatres celebrates history of Kings Theatre with launch of The Peoples Archive

Capital Theatres celebrates history of Kings Theatre with launch of The Peoples Archive

Capital Theatres has today launched The People’s Archive, a digital exhibition that celebrates the rich history and cultural legacy of the King’s Theatre.

READ MORE
Mother and Daughter duo crowned ultimate Stitch fans in Edinburgh

Mother and Daughter duo crowned ultimate Stitch fans in Edinburgh

A Disney-loving mum and her one-year-old daughter have been crowned Edinburgh’s biggest Stitch fans after winning a competition hosted by Fort Kinnaird.

READ MORE
Dinosaurs roar to life in a Jurassic takeover at Livingston Designer Outlet

Dinosaurs roar to life in a Jurassic takeover at Livingston Designer Outlet

Livingston Designer Outlet goes Jurassic crazy this July with lifelike dinosaurs, ranger training and endless photo opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.

READ MORE
Fife & Forth Bridge Steam Train Journey Announced

Fife & Forth Bridge Steam Train Journey Announced

Departing on Saturday 29th November 2025 at from Edinburgh Waverley, this enchanting lunchtime journey will be led by the iconic 60532 Blue Peter.

READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces  2025 Programme

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Programme

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced its programme of screenings and events for its 2025 edition.

READ MORE
GreenFox Energy powers up Party at the Palace with first solar festival stage in Scotland

GreenFox Energy powers up Party at the Palace with first solar festival stage in Scotland

Party at the Palace will host Scotland’s first solar-powered festival stage, the GreenFox Energy Breakthrough Stage, twinning clean energy and the joy of live music.

READ MORE
Gilded Balloon announce a star studded line up for special 40th anniversary shows

Gilded Balloon announce a star studded line up for special 40th anniversary shows

Gilded Balloon has unveiled a huge line-up of comedy stars to take part in a special ‘40 Years of Fringe’ in conversation series, to celebrate the venue’s 40th anniversary.

READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Festival Footprint

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Festival Footprint

Ahead of its programme launch on 2 July, EIFF venues will include Filmhouse, Cameo Cinema, Vue Omni and a new pop-up screen at National Galleries Scotland: National.

READ MORE
New dining chapter begins at Edinburgh restaurant inspired by famous author

New dining chapter begins at Edinburgh restaurant inspired by famous author

One of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre restaurants has started a new dining chapter at its famous Castle Street venue.

READ MORE
Garner Hotels Debuts in Scotland with the Opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh in Haymarket

Garner Hotels Debuts in Scotland with the Opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh in Haymarket

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today announces the opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh - Haymarket, a 195-room flagship hotel bringing a fresh energy to the city’s West End.

READ MORE
Edinburgh pupils discover the world of beekeeping with educational day at Fort Kinnaird

Edinburgh pupils discover the world of beekeeping with educational day at Fort Kinnaird

Pupils from local Edinburgh primary schools swapped the classroom for beekeeping as they had the chance to visit Fort Kinnaird’s thriving beehives for a day buzzing with educational fun.

READ MORE
Magic of Christmas set to make Edinburgh sparkle this Winter

Magic of Christmas set to make Edinburgh sparkle this Winter

Edinburgh started to unwrap its annual Christmas present, with the announcement of this year’s festive celebration dates and a first hint of what to expect this year.

READ MORE
Nicola Benedetti brings the Edinburgh International Festival to NHS Hospital with Live Performance

Nicola Benedetti brings the Edinburgh International Festival to NHS Hospital with Live Performance

Edinburgh International Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti performed alongside guitarist Plínio Fernandes as part of a series of NHS Festival Sessions.

READ MORE
Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long

Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long

Cineworld has today announced £1 Family Films, running every week from July 25, so that families can be more childish together all summer long.

READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

READ MORE
How funkiest charity shop in Edinburgh is helping homeless

How funkiest charity shop in Edinburgh is helping homeless

The Bothy Boutique in central Edinburgh is the retail arm of The Breakfast Bothy, a small grassroots charity supporting people in the community who are experiencing homelessness.

READ MORE
Five star campsite near Edinburgh named best in Scotland

Five star campsite near Edinburgh named best in Scotland

Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site at Musselburgh was named Camping Site of the Year in the 2025 Scottish Hospitality Awards.

READ MORE
Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

With the Fringe Festival right on the doorstep, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is once again hosting a fantastic array of shows and activities!

READ MORE
Newtongrange Primary School ends academic year on a high with prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award

Newtongrange Primary School ends academic year on a high with prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award

Pupils at Newtongrange Primary School have even more reason to celebrate the end of a successful academic year, having just been awarded the UNICEF UK Gold Award.

READ MORE
First Look inside newly refurbished Filmhouse cinema

First Look inside newly refurbished Filmhouse cinema

Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse has today revealed images of its new screens and spaces ahead of its public reopening tomorrow Friday 27 June.

READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

READ MORE
Widest ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in 50 years to be staged in Edinburgh

Widest ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in 50 years to be staged in Edinburgh

Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian will be among 45 Italian Renaissance drawings going on display in Scotland for the first time this October.

READ MORE
Inspiring climate action through the Edinburgh Climate Festival

Inspiring climate action through the Edinburgh Climate Festival

Edinburgh Climate Festival returns on 28th June. A free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.

READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

READ MORE
Pret gets ready for Pride with free glow up and goodies

Pret gets ready for Pride with free glow up and goodies

This weekend, in celebration of Edinburgh Pride, Pret A Manger is turning up the sparkle with an in-shop glow-up station!

READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Escape The Past
MNB
Link
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Sponsored Links

Open Pass Scotland
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
Fayre Play
Renfrewshire Council
Paisley First
Escape The Past
MNB
Link
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Popular Events

Dinosaurs roar to life in a Jurassic takeover at Livingston Designer Outlet
Step into a Jurassic world of fun this summer at Livingston Designer Outlet where guests can enjoy a host of dinosaur-themed events, making it the ultimate day out to remember!
Adventure Cinema: Outdoor Cinema at Dalkeith Country Park
Adventure Cinema, the UK's largest outdoor cinema tour, returns this summer with incredible movies to watch under the sun and stars at Dalkeith Country Park!
Scotland Calling
Scotland Calling returns in 2026 for another punk-rock extravaganza, this time over 2 stages at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Saturday 25th April!
Chloe Petts: Big Naturals
Chloe Petts returns with a brand-new tour, and she's delving where she's never delved before: this is a show about sex. Catch her at The Stand Edinburgh on 4th March!
Belfast Brunch Co
Expect a fun fuelled afternoon filled with R’n’B favourites, sing-along classics and nostalgic dance moments with The Belfast Brunch Co. at Edinburgh Corn Exchange on 15th November!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall