The Ed Sheeran Foundation has expanded its reach to the island of Ireland, funding a cross-border music initiative that will see 50 young musicians from Belfast and Cork perform together.

North South Sounds 2026 is the first project backed by the foundation in Ireland. It connects the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast with Music Generation Cork and its partners, including Kabin Studio and Creative Tradition. The participants, aged 13 to 17, have been collaborating in workshops ahead of performances at the Oh Yeah Centre and Belfast City Hall during the Fleadh Cheoil on Monday.

In a statement, Ed Sheeran described Ireland as a special place for him and said every child should have the chance to learn music. He added that the first project kicks off at the Fleadh and invited festivalgoers to watch the young performers.

Chelsea Andrews, youth engagement manager at the Oh Yeah Centre, welcomed the foundation's backing. She said mentorship and encouragement are important for young musicians, many of whom experience self-doubt.

Cheylene Murphy, a musician who led workshops in Belfast, said the young people, from different genres and backgrounds, worked on improvisation and writing new music based on the theme of what Irish music means to them. They also received performance and industry advice.

Among the Belfast participants, Avery (15) and Manas (14), members of a band called The Ladies-Men, rehearsed at the Oh Yeah Centre. Avery said working with peers from Cork felt like a true partnership, with both sides contributing instruments and vocals. Manas said having support from parents, teachers and the centre was vital to his involvement in music.

From Cork, Aaron Hennessy (16), a bodhrán player and rapper, and Liadh O'Driscoll (15), a rapper, will perform. Hennessy said he enjoys performing in the Irish tradition, while O'Driscoll said she loves being on stage.

Garry McCarthy, creative director of Kabin Studio, said the funding enables continued collaboration with Oh Yeah and groups in Northern Ireland. He explained that Kabin Studio's contribution will focus on rap and hip-hop, Creative Tradition on traditional music, and the Oh Yeah Centre on rock, pop and punk.

The broader North South Sounds 2026 programme aims to create connections among 150 children and young people in Cork and Belfast.