Ed Sheeran visits British forces in Cyprus

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran MBE made a special visit to British Forces Cyprus (BFC) on Sunday, 8 September 2024, spending time with UK troops and their families stationed at Dhekelia Garrison, according to a Royal Navy news release.

Despite a busy schedule performing his world-renowned Mathematics tour, The Royal Navy say that Sheeran took time to engage with service personnel, signing autographs, taking selfies, and sharing stories, much to the delight of his fans.

Sheeran’s visit concluded with an intimate acoustic performance on the Dhekelia rugby pitch, where he played some of his most-loved songs for an audience of soldiers and their families.

One service member expressed their excitement, being quoted as saying, “How lucky are we! I can’t believe it. It means a lot that someone like him would take time to come and support us. We love you, Ed.”

British Forces Cyprus (BFC) plays a significant role in maintaining the UK’s strategic military presence in the eastern Mediterranean. BFC operates from two Sovereign Base Areas, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which the UK retained following the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960.

These bases serve as vital staging points for British forces operating in the Middle East and Asia. The command is tri-service, comprising personnel from the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force, and it oversees various military operations and support functions on the island.

In addition to the Sovereign Base Areas, BFC has access to a number of retained sites across Cyprus, which include radar stations, accommodation facilities, and training areas. Although some of these sites have been returned to Cyprus over the years, BFC continues to utilise 13 locations that remain crucial for operations.

The force, led by a two-star officer alternating between the Army and the RAF, plays a key role in regional stability.