Fans from across the globe have converged on Ipswich to witness the return of international icon Ed Sheeran to his “home” venue at Portman Road stadium. An estimated 90,000 fans are anticipated over the course of three nights, with devotees arriving from the US, Germany, and closer locales to welcome the acclaimed artist back to Suffolk.
Senumi Tebuwna and Reuben Librack, both 21, traveled from Brighton for the first sold-out performance, making a visit to the Suffolk town of Framlingham, where Sheeran spent his formative years, located approximately 15 miles north of Ipswich, and home to the medieval castle that inspired one of his compositions.
“Yesterday, we toured Framlingham Castle, the filming location for ‘Castle on the Hill’,” Ms. Tebuwna recounted.
“We have eagerly awaited this event for the past two months.”
Mr. Librack added, “I was also excited to see Myles Smith, as I am a devoted fan.”
Tina Hoff, 58, and Linda Kennedy, 56, arrived from Bournemouth on Thursday evening.
“We are planning to attend his performance again on Sunday,” Ms. Hoff stated.
“This marks my first time seeing him…I am filled with anticipation. The drive is undoubtedly worthwhile.”
Ms. Kennedy echoed her companion’s enthusiasm.
“Considering our journey, we decided to attend as many shows as possible, as we are uncertain when he will next perform in this area.
“As soon as his performance here was announced, securing tickets became my priority.”
Marlene Krueger, 22, a resident of Munich, Germany, traveled to Ipswich by train.
She secured a prime position at the front of the queue to enter Portman Road on Friday and plans to attend all three performances.
“The journey took over 10 hours due to the state of German trains,” she explained.
“I always aim to be at the forefront of the crowd, as it offers an unparalleled experience, so I arrived around 7 a.m. this morning.
“Despite the heat, we have found relief with these sun-reflecting blankets.
“I frequently attend concerts…This will be my 17th Ed Sheeran concert in the last three years; I am an avid supporter.”
Thomas Portway and Caitlin Brundle, both 19, traveled from Bury St Edmunds, in west Suffolk, arriving at lunchtime on Friday to join the queue.
“We had hoped to arrive earlier, but the heat deterred us,” Mr. Portway commented.
“The wait is only approximately four hours [until the gates open]. We may indulge in ice cream later.
“It is a welcome change for [Sheeran] to perform here rather than in a distant location like London.”
Ms. Brundle added, “We are filled with excitement as avid concertgoers who appreciate live performances.”
Many fans gathered outside Portman Road donned attire in shades of pink, inspired by the artwork and promotional materials for Sheeran’s forthcoming album, “Play.”
This inspiration extends to the pink displays and bunting adorning the town.
Fans began arriving in the early hours of Friday, enduring temperatures reaching 27C (81F).
Long lines formed early for Sheeran’s merchandise, with fans eager to acquire T-shirts, hoodies, and other items.
Mary Farruku, 21, an Ipswich resident, expressed her “genuine excitement.”
“I had the pleasure of seeing him at Chantry during his last Ipswich visit, and it was an unforgettable experience,” she remarked.
“I am a follower of Myles Smith on TikTok and was thrilled to learn of his presence here.
“Due to my weekend commitments, tonight is the only opportunity I have to attend.”
Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Central will host a three-day homecoming celebration in the town center.
The festivities will include a fan zone on Cornhill from 10:00 to 18:00 BST each day, featuring a large screen showcasing Sheeran trivia, live messages from fans, and more.
A pop-up shop will offer merchandise, and live busking performances will take place in Alderman Park, adjacent to Portman Road stadium, starting at 13:30 daily.
Deborah Marshal, 73, who traveled from Indiana, USA, stated, “I journeyed a considerable distance because of my deep affection for Ed Sheeran.”
“I was unfamiliar with Ed Sheeran prior to 2020, but upon discovering his music, I felt compelled to follow him,” she shared with the BBC outside Ipswich Town’s grounds.
“His music has provided solace and guidance through various life experiences.”
Morgan Summersgill, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, made her inaugural trip to England to witness Sheeran’s performances on both Friday and Sunday.
She expressed her delight in absorbing the vibrant atmosphere that has enveloped the town.
“I am an ardent Ed Sheeran admirer, and this marks my fifth time seeing him perform,” she stated.
“I am deeply grateful to be here and partake in this experience. To make it even more memorable, I plan to get the ‘Play’ symbol tattooed in Ipswich tomorrow.
“It is an indescribable feeling.”
Martin Cox, 70, from London, has been a Sheeran fan since 2010 and arrived at Portman Road in the early hours.
“I prefer to arrive early to secure a front-row position and connect with fellow enthusiasts in the queue,” he explained.
“His songs, performance style, and personality resonate deeply with me.”
Hayley Judge, from South London, identifies as the sole female Ed Sheeran tribute act.
Speaking to BBC Radio Suffolk, she conveyed her excitement about hearing the singer’s new material, which she is “loving,” while acknowledging that “The A Team” from 2011 “never loses its appeal for me.”
“I used to host an open mic night, and one evening, a performer played ‘The A Team,’ which struck me as an exceptional song,” she recalled.
“That experience ignited my interest in Ed, leading me to learn his songs and acquire a loop station.”
Sheeran himself is equally enthusiastic about his upcoming performances. However, this is not the first time he and his acoustic guitar have made an appearance in the town.
He performed in local pubs as he made a name for himself in venues including the Steamboat Tavern and The Swan, and he appeared at Ipswich Music Day where local acts perform at the annual free event in Christchurch Park.
Following his ascent to global stardom, he held four concerts at Chantry Park in 2019.
In 2021, in the wake of Covid lockdown restrictions, he played a live-streamed gig at Portman Road with no audience present.
He also played an impromptu gig outside the town hall in 2022.
“This marks the first time in my entire career that I am actually playing [in front of fans at Portman Road],” he said while talking exclusively to the BBC.
“So this is akin to a homecoming performance, which I anticipate will be memorable.”
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