Ipswich is turning the town pink as global superstar, dedicated Ipswich Town fan and hometown hero Ed Sheeran returns to Portman Road Stadium for his three sell-out concerts on 11, 12, and 13 July. With up to 90,000 fans heading to see Ed, the town is transforming into a vibrant celebration of music, community, and local pride.
Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Central are working in partnership to host a three-day homecoming party in the town centre featuring:
- A buzzing Cornhill Fan Zone from 10am to 6pm each day featuring a large screen filled with Ed trivia, live messages from fans, entertainment from Suffolk Sound, and more.
- A pop-up shop selling exclusive, limited edition “Ed Made in Suffolk” merchandise with special offers also available online at https://shop.made-in-suffolk.co.uk/
- Live busking in Alderman Park, right next to the stadium, from 1.30pm daily.
- The Pink Plaque Trail, highlighting 16 key spots linked to Ed including the local venues where he’s appeared, performed and promoted his music.
- New murals in the Buttermarket Shopping Centre and Tower Street Food Hall depicting Suffolk’s favourite musical son.
- A window dressing competition with local retailers and businesses turning storefronts pink for a £500 prize .
- Roadside verges to be spotted turning rosy and a new hue flowing from the fountain in Christchurch Park.
The town centre is already decked out in pink bunting and banners, inspired by Ed’s upcoming ‘Play’ album, the pink heart balloon from his Azizam video, and the Ipswich Town FC third kit he helped unveil.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said:
“Whether you're an Ed superfan or just want to soak up the atmosphere in Ipswich, it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable few days. We’re thrilled to see him coming home to perform at Portman Road, and bringing 90,000 fans with him.
“With so many concertgoers and other visitors expected, Ipswich is ready to welcome them and show them what we have to offer. We’ve already enjoyed some superb events around town this summer, and this weekend will put the pink icing on the cake. It’s a fantastic boost for our local economy and town centre businesses, as well as a true showcase of Ipswich spirit.
“Along with Ipswich Central, the Council would like to thank everyone who’s got on board with making this celebration one to remember. The town is already buzzing with excitement and we’re inviting the whole community to come together and be part of the fun all over town as Ed returns to his home turf.”
Whether heading into Ipswich from near or far, the Council is advising both local residents and visiting Ed fans to forward plan their travel arrangements, as not only the area around the stadium will be busy on the concert dates but also the town centre as a whole.
Councillor MacDonald added: “If you're travelling into or through Ipswich on those days, please plan ahead. With increased visitors and traffic, planned road closures, and high demand for parking expected, it's well worth checking your route and timings in advance.”
The Council has provided information for concertgoers and anyone planning to use its car parks in and around the town centre at: www.ipswich.gov.uk/edsheeranparking
Residents and drivers have been advised of road closures in effect on Portman Road and Sir Alf Ramsey Way from 12pm to midnight on each concert day to ensure public safety.
For more details of all the events happening across town on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, visit:
www.allaboutipswich.com
Follow the celebrations on social media:
www.facebook.com/allaboutipswich/
www.instagram.com/allaboutipswich/
#WelcomeHomeEd
#Ipswichturnspink
#edsheeran