British pop-star Ed Sheeran performed to 100 lucky school children ahead of his Christchurch show tonight.
Ed Sheeran talks to studnets at Redcliffs Primary School. Photo: RNZ
Redcliffs Primary School won a radio competition for the singer to perform and have a question and answer session at their school.
The school is facing closure after an aftershock in June 2011 collapsed part of a large cliff behind the school and since then its 200 students have been sharing classrooms at an education centre for the deaf in the neighbouring suburb of Sumner.
School principal Kim Alexander said all of the schools worries faded away when the hall was filled with Sheeran's voice.
"He is just fantastic, it's so special for the children to have him here."
Ms Alexander said the children worked hard to win the competition.
"The kids were determined, they remixed one of [Sheeran's] songs with their own words and they recorded an episode of Edcliff news"
One hundred children were chosen out of a hat to see the singer perform, and screaming crowds lined the schools driveway, eager to get a glimpse of the singer.
After performing two songs Sheeran spent over an hour answering questions and taking a photo with every child.
He was relaxed as he answered questions, including why he became a singer.
"You have to do what you enjoy, if you want to be a musician practice a lot, if you want to be an All Black play rugby every day."
He said he was excited to visit Christchurch as he had always wanted to visit.
Fans wait for Ed Sheeran outside Redcliffs Primary School. Photo: RNZ
"You guys don't know how lucky you are, the fresh air here is amazing, as soon as you leave this hall go down to the beach and have a swim."
Sheeran said he is planning to stay and travel around New Zealand following his concerts here.
"I need a holiday, and what better place to do it than New Zealand."
The popstar performs in Christchurch tonight.