Joy as Ed Sheeran to perform at Ipswich's Portman Road

On Thursday evening, mysterious 'play' signs began appearing across Ipswich - and on Friday it was confirmed the superstar is set for three homecoming shows.

These will be at Portman Road, home of Sheeran's beloved Blues, on July 11, 12, and 13 and will be just weeks after Chantry boxing star Fabio Wardley's fight at the ground.

The three performances have been welcomed in Ipswich, with councillors and business leaders saying it could be a huge boost for the town and the county.

Ed Sheeran is performing in Ipswich this summer (Image: Petros Studios)

Paul Simon, head of public affairs and strategic communications at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce (Image: Lucy Taylor) One of those backing the concerts was Suffolk Chamber of Commerce's head of public affairs and strategic communications, Paul Simon.

He said: “This Portman Road announcement is a win-win-win for Ed Sheeran fans, the business community and the county’s creative credentials.

“It caps an exciting summer of world-class music events across Suffolk, including Latitude and the Aldeburgh Festival, putting the county at the very centre of the artistic world.

"Hospitality businesses in the greater Ipswich area will certainly welcome the upsurge in bookings and footfall as thousands of fans come together for Ed’s three gigs in July.

“Furthermore, if his previous concerts on home ground are anything to go by, there may well be opportunities for local bands to gain wider exposure, which will be a further boost to the rising stars of our county’s incredibly vibrant creative sector.”

Sheeran's shows at Chantry Park in 2019 were estimated to boost Ipswich's economy by £9million.

It was later revealed that the projections were for Ed Sheeran's gig at Portman Road (Image: Supplied)

Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council leader (Image: Newsquest) Ipswich Borough Council leader, Neil MacDonald, said the events would be a "huge boost" for the town's businesses. 

He said: "We are thrilled that Ed Sheeran will be playing at Portman Road this summer.

"He is Suffolk’s very own superstar and a fantastic ambassador for Ipswich.

“Ed will inevitably create a huge boost to the town’s economy, benefiting many businesses, hopefully for the long-term, as he puts Ipswich on the map and brings more people here.”

Ed Sheeran will be performing three gigs at Portman Road stadium (Image: Petros Studios)

Lee Walker, Ipswich Central chief executive  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) And Ipswich Central believes the town is going to "shine" this summer.

Chief executive Lee Walker said: “From Fabio Wardley to Brighten the Corners and Ed Sheeran, the local talent that goes across the world shouting about our town is returning home and bringing the eyes of the world with it.

"Ipswich will be ready to shine brighter than ever.”

Members of the public are also delighted with the announcement.

A projection was also seen at the Paul's Silo (Image: Ipswich Central)

James Pierre is an ITFC season ticket holder (Image: Shikhar Talwar) James Pierre is an Ipswich Town season ticket holder and often sees the Shape of You singer at the stadium.

He said: "It is going to be fantastic, and great for the community as well. 

"Last time he had performed over in Chantry Park, and that was a big thing as well, but this one he is doing at Portman Road, and that is going to be amazing. 

"My boy and I are here every week, and we see him just past us to the left. He has been great for the club."

Sheeran performed to huge crowds in Chantry Park in 2019 (Image: Archant)

Several projections appeared on Thursday night around Ipswich (Image: Supplied) Another Blues fan, Colin Clayton, said: "Ed Sheeran has been involved with the club for a couple of years, and it is great to see him get the chance to come in here. 

"I had seen rumours about it, but to see it finally happen is going to be a huge thing for the town."

Ed Sheeran performed at the Cornhill in October 2022 (Image: Ipswich Borough Council / Ashley Pickering) Joe Bailey and Marcus Neal from Brighten the Corners with Ed Sheeran during his surprise gig at The Baths in November 2024 (Image: Ella Calver) This will be Sheeran's first UK headline shows since 2023, and his early career included performances at several small venues across Ipswich and wider Suffolk.

But he has never forgotten his roots, such as when he supported young artists at The Baths in November last year.

In October 2022, he shocked Ipswich with a surprise performance on the steps of the Town Hall at the Cornhill.