Ed Sheeran visited music organisations in Belfast alongside Snow Patrol star Gary Lightbody.

Ed Sheeran has pledged financial support to three music organisations in Belfast, which he visited on Friday. The pop superstar met young people and teachers during his trip, as part of the launch of his new charitable foundation, which supports the teaching of music in schools and other sectors.

Ed Sheeran returned to Northern Ireland on Friday and not to play his usual sold-out concerts. The world-renowned musician and singer-songwriter made a surprise visit to Belfast as part of the UK-wide launch of his new charity, The Ed Sheeran Foundation.

Ed Sheeran launches the Ed Sheeran Foundation, which will provide access and funding to music education, instruments, programs, and more for children.

Ed Sheeran wants people to take music in schools seriously. The British singer-songwriter has set up a foundation to ensure that kids in the U.K. get access to “high-quality” music education. Sheeran started writing songs from a young age,

Ed Sheeran visits schools and youth groups in Cardiff to launch his new foundation, which aims to support access to music education in the U.K. and prove that music is a valid career path.