Brighten The Corners have said they hoped the showcase event at The Baths, which featured an appearance from Ed Sheeran, will present young people with creative career opportunities in live music.

On Tuesday afternoon, the music venue hosted 200 school children for a music industry showcase event, with pupils learning about roles behind the scenes in music.

At the showcase, local talents Ryski, a long-standing participant at education programmes run by BTC, AfterDrive, who received support from BBC Radio 1 and has thousands of streams on Spotify, and Esme Emerson, who recently supported Keane on tour, all performed before Suffolk superstar Ed Sheeran made a surprise appearance.

Ed performing at the showcase event in The BathsEd performing at the showcase event in The Baths (Image: Greyhound Creative) Esme Emerson performing at The Baths in the showcaseEsme Emerson performing at The Baths in the showcase (Image: Ella Calver)

Building on the success of the Brighten The Corners' volunteer and education programme for 16-year-olds and older, the event focussed on younger children who may be thinking about their future prospects.

Students from Stoke High, Ipswich Academy, Chantry Academy, Suffolk New College and The Meadows Montessori High School were involved in the event, which was in collaboration with Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub and Wolsey 550.

Joe Bailey, CEO of Brighten The Corners, said: "We’re delighted that we were able to showcase unseen and lesser-known career pathways to young people in Ipswich as well as host an incredible gig with a few surprises along the way.

Joe Bailey and Marcus Neal from Brighten The Corners with Ed Sheeran on stage at The BathsJoe Bailey and Marcus Neal from Brighten The Corners with Ed Sheeran on stage at The Baths (Image: Ella Calver) Joe Bailey, CEO of Brighten The Corners with Ed SheeranJoe Bailey, CEO of Brighten The Corners with Ed Sheeran (Image: Greyhound Creative)

"We feel it’s really important to work with secondary schools and colleges to raise awareness of what we offer and highlight how important music education, performance opportunities and diverse music pathways are within their settings, whilst helping raise aspirations of their pupils.

"We work within one of the most creative and dynamic industries in the UK and hope this event will be the catalyst for future careers whether on or behind the stage."

Esme Emerson, who also performed at the event, added: "We adore the BTC team and everything they do for community, culture and music in Suffolk.

"It was such a joy to be part of this event! It’s so important that young people have access to music and the arts. Also we love Ed."

Ed performing for 200 studentsEd performing for 200 students (Image: Ella Calver) The Baths hosted the event showcaseThe Baths hosted the event showcase (Image: Greyhound Creative)