Ed Sheeran surprises singers at new Ipswich Choir School

Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran surprised rehearsed Christmas carol services as he officially opened his new music school.

Just under 40 young people are part of the St Mary-le-Tower Choir in Ipswich.

It has recently been able to open its own singing school in a building opposite the church on Tower Street which is also used as a joint welfare and community center with Citizens Advice.

The church’s vicar, the Rev Tom Mumford, said: “He was amazing with our young Chesters, listening to them, asking them questions.”

“He is an incredible advocate for the city and for young people, who have known Sheeran since he was a teenager,” added Mr Mumford.

Sheeran, who lives near Framlingham, north of Ipswich, and arrived in his Ipswich Town puffa jacket, also answered “a lot of questions” about the football club, one of which he High profile supporter and shareholder.

The choir, which has been featured on Classic FM and performed live on the BBC, has outgrown its old base in another church building.

A parishioner’s bequest enabled St. Mary-le-Tower to renovate and restore part of the tower house, which is now the foundation of the Song School.

Mr Mumford said: “My hope is this. [Sheeran’s] The commitment and work will inspire many young people to explore singing, and what better place in Ipswich to do that than Ipswich Minster.”

Grade II* listed St Mary-le-Tower, which dates from the Middle Ages and was renovated in the 19th century, Nominated a minister In January

The designation, which coincides with the city’s 825th anniversary, recognizes it as one. “Church of key importance to the town” according to the Church of England..