Ipswich to celebrate local hero Ed Sheeran ‘coming home’ by turning the town pink

Ipswich Central and Ipswich Borough Council have come together to turn Ipswich town centre ‘Play’ tour pink with bunting, a Cornhill Fan Zone and live music across the town as a giant home-coming party for Ed Sheeran this July, with businesses urged to join in and host their own fringe events. 

Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central, said: “When we heard that global superstar, dedicated Ipswich Town fan and local lad Ed Sheeran was coming home to perform in Ipswich this summer, and bringing 90,000 fans with him, we knew we had to celebrate! As we ‘Welcome Home Ed’ it’s a chance for the whole town to celebrate as the eyes of the world fall on the town.” 

During July the town will be decorated with pink bunting welcoming Ed – and his many thousands of fans – to Ipswich. Ipswich Borough Council will provide street entertainment including live music showcasing the local talent around the town. And, on the concert days there will be a three-day Cornhill Fan Zone of music, merchandise, food and drink stalls. 

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “Ipswich is really excited about the gigs coming up on Ed’s home turf and I’m sure plenty of people will be on board with painting the town pink. We’re very happy to welcome him back, and the whole area will benefit from the boost to the local economy.” 

Venues around the town that have a connection with Ed in some way will be highlighted on a walking tour hosted on the All About Ipswich website and Ipswich Central has launched a window dressing competition to turn shop windows pink in early July in a display of love for the singer, inspired by the ‘Play’ tour colouring, pink heart balloon used in his Azizam video and the Ipswich Town third kit for the 2024/25 season unveiled by the man himself. The windows will be judged on Friday 11 July and the best effort – or most creative display of love – will receive a £500 cash prize. 
 

Businesses are also being urged to host their own fringe events inspired by Ed. This could be a music quiz, open mic night, specially named menu items, or offers on pink drinks! Anything that creates a reason for visitors to fully enjoy their visit, plus feel the love for the star and his music everywhere around the town. 
 

Everyone in the town is encouraged to get involved, enjoy the celebrations, and show their love on social media during early July as part of the build-up to #welcomehomeed to Ipswich for his three concerts at Portman Road. 

Lee Walker added: “We are the only town getting this opportunity this summer, Ipswich has a proud history of turning out and turning up to celebrate its successful sons and daughters, so let’s seize the opportunity once more as we ‘Welcome Home Ed.”