Two Ipswich-based artists have said they are "buzzing" to be selected to open for Ed Sheeran next weekend.
AFTERDRIVE and Esme Emerson have both been selected to perform at Portman Road as support acts for the Suffolk star's homecoming gigs.
AFTERDRIVE, who have seen a big rise in their popularity after forming two years ago at One Sixth Form College, will open on Sunday, July 13, the final night of Sheeran's Ipswich performances, performing before fellow support acts Maisie Peters and James Blunt.
Previously, AFTERDRIVE have had their music played on BBC Radio 1, amassed over 10,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, had their music played at Portman Road before Ipswich Town Premier League games, and had their song 'Often' featured on Ipswich Town's end-of-season highlights video.
The band, made up of Ben and Joe Watts, Ed Ruff and Luke Ellis, said: "It's hard to put into words - it's really difficult to accept at the minute.
"We got confirmation last week and this week waiting for it to be announced has felt like the slowest week ever, but we are absolutely buzzing.
"We can't believe it, it's in our hometown stadium. When we first heard we had to double check.
"We've always said in the past that we'd love to support Ed Sheeran because he's from the area and how massive he is, so it's absolutely crazy.
"It will be the most people we will have performed to, definitely. We have gone from performing in pubs to 50 people to Portman Road.
"There's a bit of nervousness but that just shows how passionate we are about music and putting on a show in our hometown.
"We met him briefly at the gig for Brighten the Corners at The Baths, and sent his manager some of our music and I believe he has been keeping tabs on us and thought we would be a good pick.
"We are honoured to have that opportunity so thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years and to Ed and his team for having us."
Esme Emerson, who have also been on a journey over the years, performing at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend and supported big names such as Keane and Gigi Perez, have also been selected to support Sheeran.
They will be performing on Saturday, July 12, before Dylan - who is also from Ipswich - and Busted - with lead singer Charlie Simpson hailing from Woodbridge.
The brother and sister duo said: "We can’t wait!
"Ed is truly a local legend, and we’ve seen him live a handful of times, so it’s really special to be asked to open for him.
"The whole thing feels a bit mad, and we think it’s going to take us a little while to process it.
"But we’re extremely grateful to Ed and his team for having us.
"We found out when our manager sent us a screenshot of the offer and the two of us were freaking out in our group chat.
"We were both working our part-time jobs outside of music, fully fuelled up on adrenaline.
"We were lucky enough to play our first headline tour this year, and we’re excited to bring that set to Portman Road. Thank you and love you Ed".
Both artists are set to take to the stage at around 5.30pm, one hour after doors open at Portman Road.
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