Bhutan hosted its first-ever international concert, an evening with global superstar Ed Sheeran. The event brought thousands of fans together under the starry Himalayan skies, becoming more than just a musical milestone—it was a confirmation of Bhutan’s growing global presence and its heartfelt passion for art, culture, and community.
Held at the Changlimithang Stadium, the concert was an unprecedented spectacle. Fans from all over Bhutan and beyond gathered to sing along to Sheeran’s chart-topping hits. The gathering echoed a sense of unity and celebration on a scale rarely seen in the Kingdom.
Organised by Gelephu Mindfulness City, the event brought together over 1,000 Bhutanese, including local vendors, coordinators, authorities, promoters, ground staff, Desuung volunteers, and support teams from various organsations.
Ed Sheeran and his touring team expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Bhutanese team’s hospitality, with particular praise for the Desuups’ service, efficient organization, and clear chain of command. They were especially impressed by the DeSuups from the Desuung Skilling Programme (DSP), including DSP volunteers trained in sound, light, audio, and truss work.
Beyond music, the concert provided Bhutanese participants with a unique opportunity to experience and learn from a world-class event management team. Every element—from stage design to audience coordination—became a purposeful learning opportunity, embodying Bhutan’s commitment to professional excellence and continuous improvement.
The collaboration with Ed Sheeran’s team was transformative for the Bhutanese organizers. Their exceptional professionalism and dedication to delivering world-class performances provided more valuable learning experiences than years of previous event management.
Choeying Jatsho, a member of the Bhutan team, shared: “Managing such a large-scale event was a steep but incredible learning curve, giving us hands-on insights that went beyond anything we’d experienced before. Working with Ed Sheeran’s team was a great honour—their professionalism and passion set a whole new standard for us as organizers.”
Kinley P. Dorji, another member of the team added, “I’m incredibly proud of our team. Though small and not specialized, our shared passion made it happen. As His Majesty commanded us, what we lack in numbers, we must make up for in hard work. And as His Majesty advises, when your heart is in the right place, anything is achievable.”
The concert in Bhutan was more than just a typical tour stop. After the performance, Sheeran took to Instagram, posting “[h]ad the honour of being the first-ever international artist to play in Bhutan last night. What a gig, what a country, what a beautiful place with incredible people. Lemme know if I can move there, please and thank you.” Ed Sheeran’s visit to Bhutan allowed him to connect with the country’s culture and spirit. The electric stage performance also turned Ed Sheeran’s short trip into a meaningful cultural exchange as he shared his artistry with a new audience. The event was a ground-breaking moment for Bhutan’s music scene, opening doors for future international collaborations.
The success of this concert has sparked tremendous excitement about what lies ahead. As the show concluded and the crowd dispersed, one thing became clear: this was not just a concert – it was a celebration of Bhutan’s readiness to share its story with the world, one performance at a time.
Chholay Namgay, GMC Team