GALLERY: Ed Sheeran performs first night at Portman Road

The Framlingham-raised star returned to Ipswich to perform the first night of his three concerts at the stadium.

Fans from around the world were queueing from as early as 5am to watch Sheeran perform his hometown shows.

Fireworks were set off at the end of the night (Image: Mark Surridge) Ed Sheeran on stage in front of 30,000 people at Portman Road (Image: Mark Surridge) Ed Sheeran performed in Ipswich for the first time at Portman Road in front of people (Image: Mark Surridge)

The entertainment kicked off with supporting acts Aaron Rowe, Tori Kelly and Myles Smith before Sheeran took to the stage just after 8.15pm.

Among concert goers inside Portman Road last night were major Ipswich Town figures including members of the women and men's playing squad including Natasha Thomas, Ruby Doe, Dara O'Shea and Conor Chaplin, manager Kieran McKenna, chairman and CEO Mark Ashton and legend Marcus Stewart.

Town manager Kieran McKenna with Marcus Stewart and his wife (Image: Newsquest) Queues outside Portman Road to get in (Image: Newsquest) Merchandise stalls were around the ground (Image: Oli Picton)

Westlife made a surprise appearance towards the end of the night, performing Flying Without Wings alongside Sheeran and Irish group Beoga.

Sheeran has two shows left at Portman Road, with Esme Emerson, Dylan and Busted supporting tonight and AFTERDRIVE, Maisie Peters and James Blunt on Sunday.

Roxie, Casey, Sarah and Wayne Horsenell (Image: Lucy Taylor) Phil, Zena, Ethan and Sophie Jarrold (Image: Lucy Taylor) Jemma and Amber Gooch- Boags and Maya and Maria List from Beccles (Image: Lucy Taylor) Ed Sheeran on stage at a packed Portman Road (Image: Oli Picton)

Myles Smith supported just before Sheeran stepped on to stage (Image: Newsquest) Ed on stage (Image: Newsquest) Sheeran performed at his beloved Portman Road (Image: Mark Surridge) Sheeran still has two performances left (Image: Mark Surridge) Sheeran in the pink Ipswich Town kit on stage (Image: Mark Surridge) Sheeran is to perform Saturday and Sunday night (Image: Mark Surridge)