The trail, which starts on Tuesday 22nd October, complements the unique exhibition about the life of the Suffolk singer/songwriter and covers places in the town associated with his rise to fame.
For example, the Swan, Halberd (formerly McGinty’s) and the Steamboat Tavern all hosted Ed gigs in the early days, when he played to dozens of people instead of 80,000 in Wembley. Ed also played a secret gig at the Steamboat in 2014.
The Ed Sheeran Trail starts appropriately at Ipswich Town Football Club as Ed is a massive Blues fan and is often seen at home games.
The Town Hall and University of Suffolk will always be associated with Ed’s honorary doctorate for services to music, while Christchurch Park is where Ed played (twice) at Ipswich Music Day when he was on the brink of fame.
Ipswich Museum in High Street is the proud home of “Ed Sheer-ham, one of the stars of the charity trail Pigs Gone Wild. Ed owns the celebrity porker but has lent it to the Museum to display. Ed also visited the Museum for an art project while he was at Thomas Mills High School in his home town of Framlingham.
The trail ends at Christchurch Mansion, where the exhibition charting his rise from Suffolk schoolboy to global superstar, is attracting visitors from around the world. Last month we have welcomed fans (Sheerios) from as far away as Australia, Japan and Peru.
The Ed Sheeran: Made in Suffolk exhibition is free but you will need to book your slot at www.made-in-suffolk.co.uk
The exhibition, which is organised by Ipswich Borough Council and curated by Ed’s father, John Sheeran, features world famous artwork by Colin Davidson, stunning photographs by Mark Surridge and family items from Ed’s childhood and career, many of which have never been seen in public before. There is also an exhibition shop, the only place where people can buy a wide range of unique memorabilia.
Ed has been to see the exhibition. His verdict? “Fantastic, I love it!”
Trail organisers are running a special selfies competition, with a winner announced each month. Follow the simple instructions on the trail leaflet which is available from the Town Hall, Crown Pools or the Tourist Information centre as well as local libraries.
Councillor Carole Jones, Museums portfolio-holder, said: “The Ed Sheeran Made in Suffolk Trail will attract people of all ages both to the town and to the exhibition. This is a fantastic opportunity to walk in Ed’s shoes and find out more about our very own superstar. Ed started on his own musical journey here in his county town and we are very proud of him.”
