Ed Sheeran mural unveiled at Sailmakers in Ipswich

Sailmakers commissioned Birmingham graffiti artist Joe Miles to create the 6x4m design. 

The artist hopes the mural will "strike a chord" with Ipswich residents and shoppers after the pop superstar surprised the town by performing on the steps of the town hall in 2022.

The shopping centre is owned by Nottingham-based ALB Group and its managing director Arran Bailey hopes the mural will encourage the singer to pop in future.

The surprise performance brought crowds to the town hall in October 2022. (Image: Ipswich Borough Council / Ashley Pickering)

Mr Bailey said: "As Ed is a celebrated hometown boy who still has a house in Suffolk, what better way to acknowledge his talents and the recognition he gives the local area than with a mural in the heart of the town.  

“We wanted the artwork to just pop up overnight just like Sheeran’s impromptu gig and surprise fans and locals.  

“Who knows, he may even want to come and see it himself and busk in the shopping centre – he has an open invitation from our own ‘A-Team’ at ALB.”  

Mr Miles who has previously designed an Ipswich-themed mural for the shopping centre has been working on the pop star's artwork while the Tavern Street centre has been closed.

Shoppers will now be able to see it on the first floor.   Artist Joe Miles has been working on the mural in the evenings after the shopping centre has closed. (Image: ALB Group)

Mr Bailey hopes it will be a 'perfect symphony' of shopping and art - and may even inspire a song or two while shoppers browse the stores.      

He said: “It is our mission to rethink the way high streets are managed and offer these important community shopping centres the chance of revival.   

“We’ve been doing this in towns, city centres and out-of-town retail parks around the country, and it has been a privilege to work in Ipswich. The icing on the cake has been celebrating one of the town’s local heroes.”