The Ed Sheeran Foundation announces its first project in Ireland: North South Sounds 2026. The initiative is designed to connect children and young people from Cork city and Belfast through music activities including songwriting and performance. According to reports, the foundation’s initial funding supports bringing young musicians from both locations together for the programme. BBC Entertainment reports that 50 young musicians participate, with participants drawn from Belfast and Cork. RTE News adds that the project includes workshops and activities beyond songwriting and performance as part of its aim to bring young people into shared creative experiences. Both outlets describe the project as the foundation’s first step in Ireland and as a cross-community effort linking the island of Ireland. The programme is set for 2026, and it is presented as an expansion of the foundation’s work through arts-based opportunities for young people.