Ed Sheeran Ipswich concert - Fans queue from 5am for shows

Fans from Croydon in London, New York and Minnesota gathered in the sun beneath Portman Road some seven hours before the gates open on the first night.

Hometown hero Ed Sheeran is set to perform at Portman Road for the first time, with a weekend of shows planned. 

Ed Sheeran fans outside of Portman Road, seven hours before the gates open (Image: Oli Picton)

Martin Cox, 70, who has attended more than 200 Ed Sheeran gigs spoke about how excited he was to be at the first home show.

He said: "I have been here since about 4.30/5am, I have followed Ed's career since the fourth of August 2010.

"I remember when I saw him particularly the second time, that he deserves to be really well in the UK and I never for a millisecond thought he would become what he has become.

Mr Cox first saw Ed Sheeran perform in 2010 and has travelled from Croydon (Image: Oli Picton) "He wanted to play Shepard's Bush Empire, that was his goal, so it is amazing how big he has become."

Fellow fan, Sara Ptacek from Minnesota said: "I arrived in Ipswich yesterday but I have been here since about 6.45am.

"I immediately had to buy tickets [when I saw he was performing at Portman Road] I had to come to the home show.

Sara Ptacek from Minnesota in the USA, travelling over 6500km (Image: Oli Picton)

"I have seen him plenty of times but I am so excited, there are so many fans here already.

"I really want him to play some of his new Play songs, I haven't heard any of them live yet, I can't pick just one.

"I really want to hear him bring back Eraser from the Divide album."