On Monday 16 December Ed Sheeran surprised choristers of St Mary le Tower Ipswich (soon-to-be Ipswich Minster).
The choristers were rehearsing for their Christmas carol services when Ed was brought in by the vicar, the Revd Tom Mumford. Ed met the choristers, listening to them rehearse, answering questions, and officially opening the Song School by unveiling a plaque.
The Song School is a part of Tower House, a well-being and community hub in Ipswich shared with Citizens Advice. The part of the building now occupied by the Song School was recently renovated and restored, thanks to a generous legacy from a deceased member of the church. The choir used to rehearse in another building on the church site which the choir had long since outgrown.
During Ed’s visit he spoke about how important singing in a church choir as a child was to his vocal development, complimented the children on their ability, and encouraged practice. The choristers also asked lots of questions.
St Mary le Tower becomes Ipswich Minster on 19 January 2025, a huge honour and historic moment for the church and the town.
The choir is nationally renowned, featuring on Classic FM, performing live on the BBC, and doing two national broadcasts with the Church of England. There are almost 40 young people under the age of 18 singing as part of the choir, directed by Christopher Borrett, with the church operating a wide outreach programme delivering workshops and supplementing music provision in schools, especially in the most underprivileged areas of Ipswich and East Suffolk.
In January the re-designated Ipswich Minster will be launching a new junior community choir, the "Mini Minster Maestros", seeking to further their musical outreach and offering early music tuition to those aged between 5-8. The launch of the "Mini Minster Maestros" will take place at a free workshop, during the minster-making weekend, on Saturday 18 January 10.30am-11.30am. To register please visit www.stmaryletower.org/ipswichminster.
The Revd Tom said: “Ed’s commitment to Ipswich and to the future of young people and music is second to none. He’s an incredible advocate for the town, and for young people getting into singing. He was amazing with our young choristers, listening to them, asking them questions, and answering plenty of questions. We’re proud of him as a local lad, and we’re honoured he officially opened our Song School. My hope is that his commitment and work will encourage many more young people to explore singing, and what better place in Ipswich to do that than at Ipswich Minster.”
Watch the video below of Ed Sheeran surprising the choristers: