On May 17, 2025, Ed Sheeran surprised fans with an impromptu street performance in Sheffield, alongside DJ AG and rapper JME, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic attendees.

The concert, which took place on the steps of the city hall, was announced just an hour prior on Sheeran's Instagram, emphasizing his support for local talent.

Damon Jeffery, the owner of a local pub, noted a significant boost in business following Sheeran's performance, attracting visitors from as far as Manchester and even Australia.

Sheeran expressed his love for Sheffield on social media, sharing a video of the event and thanking fans for their participation, which resonated with his growing follower base.

Young performers at the event, including 16-year-old Max and 13-year-old Jayden, described the experience as surreal and a significant step in their music careers.

During the performance, Sheeran showcased his popular songs while also highlighting local talent from Tracks Music School, which aims to help young people enter the music industry.

Looking ahead, Sheeran has a European tour scheduled from May to September 2025, followed by performances in Bhutan, India, Qatar, and Bahrain later in the year.

This performance follows Sheeran's previous visit to Sheffield in 2024, where he performed with students at Sheffield's Red Tape Studios, showcasing his ongoing commitment to local talent.

Sheeran is gaining a reputation for surprise performances, having previously appeared at various locations, including King's Cross Station in London and schools in Cardiff and Edinburgh.

Social media reactions reflected fans' appreciation for Sheeran's humble nature and his willingness to engage with them, despite his celebrity status.

However, not all interactions were perfect; a young fan named Matthew West was disappointed when Sheeran did not return for an autograph after his pen ran out of ink.

The event also featured the release of TRACKS' new single 'Spotlight', performed by seven students, further emphasizing the focus on nurturing emerging artists.