The Ed Sheeran Foundation has announced its first project in Ireland, North South Sounds 2026, which aims to connect children and young people in Cork city and Belfast through songwriting, performance, and community engagement.

The collaboration between the foundation, Music Generation Cork City, and the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast will launch with a performance by 50 young people next Monday at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann at Belfast City Hall.

There, they will premiere “a series of collaborative musical fusions, developed through workshops”.

North South Sounds 2026 will run until December, encouraging young musicians “to blend influences and genres, merging elements of traditional Irish and folk music with other genres such as hip-hop, pop, and rock to generate something entirely fresh”.

Youth-led gigs in both Cork city and Belfast as well as non-residential summer camps in both cities are also part of the project.

Sheeran, whose roots are in Belfast and Gorey, Co Wexford, said he was “so happy” to be bringing the work of his foundation across the Irish Sea.

“I’ve spent loads of time in the country over the years,” he said. “Having family roots there, it’s a place that’s always been special to me.”

“Every child should have the opportunity to learn and take part in music, and we’re continuing our work to help make that a reality,” he continued.

“The first project kicks off at The Fleadh on Monday. I played the festival last year and have such fond memories of it.

“If you’re there, go and check out some of the incredible young talent.”

Helping the young musicians bring their music to stage and studio will be musical educators from Music Generation Cork City – part of Ireland’s national music education programme Music Generation – in partnership with Creative Tradition and The Kabin Studio, alongside the Oh Yeah Centre.

Creative Tradition helps people of all ages to learn traditional music across the country; the Kabin Studio in Knocknaheeny on Cork’s northside is where viral hit The Spark was recorded, and the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast is a music hub and venue.