Ed Sheeran ProfileAfter a months-long campaign from the Ipswich community, Ed Sheeran has visited the Southeast Queensland city.
On Friday (20 February), the Shape Of You hitmaker performed his first of three shows at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. And before he took to the stage, he made a brief stopover in Ipswich.
Of course, the Queensland city shares the same name as his English hometown, and since Sheeran has visited Ipswich in the US, there was a dedicated campaign to get him to Ipswich in Australia.
The campaign started in earnest when Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding called for Sheeran to visit the city in an interview with 4BC last May.
Since then, community spirit has prevailed, with residents – including multiple businesses – embracing “Ed-uary.”
A local bakery introduced the “Ginger-Ed” cookie, a pub launched the “Ed Beeran Brew,” exercise classes started featuring Cardboard Ed, and performers sang his songs in local venues. Everybody has gotten involved in urging Sheeran to visit the suburb.
Animal Welfare League Queensland also threw support behind the campaign, revealing that there’s a dog at the shelter named after the singer waiting for a family to adopt him.
Queensland radio stations 4BC and B105 even put aside their competition, coming together to rally for a visit from Sheeran.
Sheeran was only in Ipswich for a few minutes, according to reports, and the only proof of his visit was posted on social media by the singer himself. While he didn’t play any songs during his visit, he did sign a life-size mural painted by the locals and left a message for Teresa Harding.
Sharing a video of himself signing the mural on social media, Sheeran wrote in the caption: “There’s a new mayor in town.”
“Lots of love, Ed,” he noted on the wall ahead of his massive Brisbane shows.
Following the successful campaign of getting Sheeran to Ipswich, Harding remarked (via The Courier Mail), “He’s heard the people of Ipswich, and he came out. I want to thank Ipswich for rallying around, and a huge thank you to Ed.
“A big thank you to all those in the industry who pulled in behind Ipswich and gave us such a great gift.”
Sheeran performed at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium last night and has another two shows booked for tonight and Sunday. Following his Brisbane shows, the singer concludes the run in Melbourne and Adelaide. You can find last-minute tickets here.
Reviewing the first night on Sheeran’s Australian run, The Music’s Sam Mead said of the Perth show, “As Ed Sheeran makes his return to Australia for the local kick-off of the global Loop Tour, it’s clear that he’s at the top of his game when it comes to captivating stadium crowds.”
