Ed Sheeran reveals his design for first Blue Peter music badge

Ed Sheeran shared his hopes of inspiring more children to get into music after designing the first ever music badge for Blue Peter.

The musician’s design features music notes, a keyboard and a microphone alongside the iconic Blue Peter ship, with a multi-coloured backdrop.

Fans hoping to earn the shield-shaped badge will need to tell the long-running CBBC programme how they enjoy making music, whether that is trying a new instrument or being part of a musical performance.

They will also have to ask a parent, grandparent or teacher about their musical memories to find out how music has inspired them, and tell Blue Peter their top three songs of all time and their reasons why.

Sheeran, who last year received a gold badge, said: “I’ve always loved Blue Peter and even got the chance to present the show a while back, so I’m made up that I got to design their first ever badge for BBC Music Day.

“Music was really important to me growing up and I hope this badge will inspire more kids to get into it.”

The badge will be launched by the programme on Thursday September 26 to coincide with BBC Music Day.

The special episode will include an appearance from Blue Peter gold badge holder Sir Paul McCartney, who will discuss his own musical memories and reveal how his songwriting skills have improved over the years.

BBC Radio 1’s Maya Jama will guest edit the programme, sharing her songs of the summer by launching an online vote in which the audience can choose their favourite tracks.

The theme for this year’s BBC Music Day is music and wellbeing, with more than 2,000 events taking place across the UK to celebrate the power of music to change lives.

Event ambassador Craig David will take part in a surprise pop-up performance in a secret location while Professor Green will join BBC Breakfast as a weather presenter.

A special Lewis Capaldi Live programme will be broadcast on Radio 1, showcasing his recent performance with the Manchester Camerata Orchestra.

There will also be a special edition of Pointless Celebrities on Saturday on BBC One, with former and current BBC Music Day ambassadors – including Will Young and Shaun Ryder – taking on the quiz show.

The BBC Music Day edition of Blue Peter will air on CBBC on Thursday at 5.30pm.

Additional reporting by Press Association.