Pollstar (05/17/24) Gottfried, Gideon

Ed Sheeran gave a special performance at the Royal Albert Hall on May 15 as part of the West London Inclusive Arts Festival. The singer's performance served as the climax of the festival, which showcases arts performances created by youth ages four to 19 who have moderate to profound learning difficulties. Many such young people joined Sheeran for a sing-and-sign performance of his hit tune, "Perfect." Paul Morrow, founder and director of the West London Inclusive Arts Festival, comments, "Ed was also interested to hear how arts and culture can change lives and build community. We discussed our festival’s aspiration for all children and specifically children with SEND [special educational needs and disabilities] to have access to vibrant cultural artistic opportunities that enable them to be seen and valued, and engender them with a sense of belonging."

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