Ed Sheeran has completed his "special" weekend performing three concerts at the home of his beloved Ipswich Town.
90,000 people descended on Portman Road across three evenings to watch the Framlingham-raised star perform his first ticketed Ipswich gigs since Chantry Park in 2019.
In the build-up to the weekend, Ipswich turned pink in celebration of his new album Play, set to be released in September.
On Friday, people from around the world were queuing up at Portman Road from as early as 5am to get front row positions.
Ed Sheeran in front of 30,000 people at Portman Road (Image: Mark Surridge)
Sara Ptacek from Minnesota (Image: Oli Picton)
Sara Ptacek, who had travelled from Minnesota, said before the concert on Friday: "I immediately had to buy tickets. I had to come to the home show."
Kicking-off the action on Friday was Irish singer Aaron Rowe, before Tori Kelly and BRIT Award -winner Myles Smith performed in the build up to Sheeran stepping on stage.
He performed a two and a half hour set at Portman Road, including bringing out Westlife as his special guest to sing Flying Without Wings.
Kieran McKenna in attendance at Portman Road (Image: Newsquest)
Roxie, Casey, Sarah and Wayne Horsenell (Image: Lucy Taylor)
Among those in attendance to watch his opening night at Portman Road were Town CEO and Chairman Mark Ashton, members of the women and men's first team squad and manager Kieran McKenna.
On Saturday, there continued to be a buzz around the stadium with many people getting ready for the second night of his three-day Ipswich stint.
Before the concert, young fans Indie Horton and Eden Hender said: "We are so excited. We've never seen him live before so it'll be fun.
Indie, second from left and Eden, third from left went to their first Ed Sheeran gig (Image: Tom Cann)
Sheeran on stage (Image: Mark Surridge)
"It's great that it's so close to home because it's meant we can get tickets more easily than if it was further away."
The entertainment started with Ipswich brother and sister duo Esme Emerson performing after being chosen to support Sheeran.
Previously, they said: "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."
Phil, Zena, Ethan and Sophie Jarrold (Image: Lucy Taylor)
Sheeran performed at his beloved Portman Road (Image: Mark Surridge)
Saturday was a real celebration of Suffolk music, with Dylan, who was born in Bures, performing after Esme Emerson and Busted, with Charlie Simpson, from Woodbridge, performing just before Sheeran.
Sheeran stepped on to stage and performed a similar set to that of Friday night, bringing out up-and-coming British artist Skye Newman as his special guest.
Sunday marked the last night and end of his Ipswich concerts.
Fans before the show on Saturday (Image: Tom Cann)
Ed Sheeran on stage (Image: Mark Surridge)
Performing first was Ipswich band AFTERDRIVE, who were also chosen by Sheeran to open for him after reportedly being a fan of the band after they sent him some tapes to listen to.
Following AFTERDRIVE, was Maisie Peters, who has supported Sheeran a number of times, and James Blunt, who supported Elton John at Portman Road in 2004.
Thousands turned out at Portman Road (Image: Newsquest)
Jemma and Amber Gooch- Boags and Maya and Maria List from Beccles (Image: Lucy Taylor)
A word used consistently from Sheeran throughout the three shows was "special".
On the first night, he said: "I have often thought about playing in this stadium, I have sat here many times and wondered how awesome it would be to play here.
"We talked about doing a few shows at Wembley, but it didn't seem special, but Ipswich is and always will be special."
Sheeran 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)
Fireworks were set off at the end of the night (Image: Mark Surridge)
Ed on stage (Image: Mark Surridge) During the second night, he said: "This is such a special weekend for me and my family and friends and I'm so grateful we can all share this together."
Whether they went to the concert or just saw the sea of pink around town, many residents will remember this 'Perfect' weekend for years to come.
The weekend when Ipswich was put on the world stage, proved it can host large events and hopefully, many more will come in the future.
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