Ed Sheeran surprised pupils at a primary school in Brighton by performing at their assembly.
The Grammy winner was a special guest at Fairlight Primary and Nursery School in East Sussex last week, where he performed a three-song acoustic set, including mega-hit ‘Perfect’, before a motivational Q+A with the students.
He also donated several of his guitars to the school.
The visit was organised by Create Music – the Music Hub for Brighton and Hove and East Sussex – which is “transforming lives by giving children, young people, and adults the lifelong gift of music.”
Photographer Sadie Avard captured the surprise event and shared on Instagram: “Still pinching myself as a new photographer to the industry that yesterday really happened! I had such an surreal opportunity to meet and photograph @teddysphotos during his visit at Fairlight Primary School.”
The 33-year-old superstar gave some sage advice to students who don’t enjoy school.
Avard added: “His main message was not to be disillusioned by school if you don’t [quite] fit the expectations of academic life.
“Don’t let it stop you from pursuing the things you love and turning them into your career. To find inspiration from others in the industry and work even harder than they do to become the best.”
Peter Chivers, director of Create Music, said: “Ed shares our belief that lives can be transformed by the power of music. We are so grateful for his support and for the generous donation of instruments to help other budding musicians on their way.”
The chart-topper is passionate about supporting young people and their creative education, having donated £1 million to the art department at his old school.
Ed has also previously offered financial assistance for photography and computer studies at his old school, as well as giving music equipment to a primary school and funding bursaries for families who cannot afford fees.
The ‘Shape of You’ hitmaker previously discussed his incredible wealth and insisted he always wants to give back.
He told OK! Magazine: “It is ‘earn a penny, spend a penny’ with me. As soon as it comes in, it goes out. I don’t have that much value on it. I place more value on my friends and family being OK. A lot of my money goes to charity or to children’s hospitals near where I live. I have enough to be comfortable and the rest goes to help people.”