One of Ed Sheeran’s biggest fans has been empowered to see a tribute act of his musical favourite alongside his family.

Ethan attended Summerfest at Newbury Showground on Saturday, 20 July with his family where he saw the Ed Sheeran Experience, a tribute act to Ed Sheeran, for Ethan's second ever gig.

Music, and Ed Sheeran in particular, is a huge motivator for Ethan. With the Ed Sheeran tribute performance happening just over the road from the Prior’s Court site, Ethan’s family and residential staff team worked together to support Ethan to attend.

Ethan was supported with a schedule for him to know what to expect at the event, and the show was added to his calendar to help him count down the days until he could enjoy the music.

Ethan's mum Becky said: "After the success of taking Ethan to see Olly Murs last year, we knew we had to try and get him to the Ed Sheeran experience at Summerfest.

"As a family, we felt more confident this time around as we had a prior experience of a similar situation. As you can see from the photos, he had an amazing time. It was so wonderful to see how animated he became when listening to his favourite music.

"Being able to experience these things as a family really is so special and something we never thought would be possible a few years ago.

"Ethan coped brilliantly with the crowds and noisy environment and we all had a lovely afternoon.

"Thank you, as always, to all the team at Prior's Court who work so hard to make these experiences achievable for the young people in their care."

Music forms a regular part of Ethan's day and is used by Ethan to help him relax.

Since Ethan joined Prior’s Court in 2020, the team in his residential home have ensured consistency in his everyday life. This coupled with going on longer trips out in the community with his peers and shopping trips, has built Ethan’s confidence in busier environments leading to amazing achievements such as going to his first-ever concerts.

You can help make more experiences like this possible

Prior’s Court is currently fundraising for a new Performing Arts Centre, which will feature adapted facilities to support autistic young people with complex needs to access opportunities in music, dance and drama and the life-enriching benefits this provides.

Autistic individuals face many barriers to accessing the arts – from light and noise sensitivities to understanding of social rules – and one aim of the centre is to mimic theatre environments to prepare young people to access arts venues in the community successfully. This is in addition to having the opportunity day-to-day to express themselves creatively in a dedicated, bespoke space.

Natalie Norris, Fundraising Manager at Prior’s Court, said: “It was wonderful to see the photos of Ethan enjoying himself with his family at the Ed Sheeran Experience. This is what we want for all young people at Prior’s Court and their families to have – and this is what the Performing Arts Centre is all about. It will provide a place for autistic young people to be attuned to the sensory experiences of live music and theatre to empower them to manage to access such events in the community like Ethan has done.

“We’re into the final stages of our fundraising for the centre so any support you can provide might well be the last contribution we need to get to our target.”

Find out more about the Performing Arts Centre