Ed Sheeran is making a triumphant return to his roots to honor the release of his highly anticipated Play album. On Friday, May 2, the acclaimed singer-songwriter revealed a series of exciting concerts taking place in Ipswich this summer. These performances will be hosted at Portman Road stadium, the home ground of his cherished Ipswich Town FC football club. This event is not just a concert; it’s a heartfelt celebration of his journey, bringing music back to the town that shaped him.
The concerts on July 11, 12, and 13 will feature a stellar lineup of support acts. On the first night, Myles Smith and Tori Kelly will take the stage, followed by Busted and Dylan on the second evening, and finally, James Blunt and Maisie Peters will close out the event with their performances. This marks a significant moment for Sheeran, who made headlines last year by acquiring a minority stake in the football club. To promote the concerts, he shared a captivating video on Friday morning featuring his new single, “Old Phone,” where he can be seen drawing the lines on the pitch, alongside a heartfelt message about the importance of this venue in his life.
Sheeran shared his excitement in a heartfelt message, stating, “One of the first concerts I attended as a child was at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road to see Elton John perform.” He reminisced about how James Blunt opened for Elton, inspiring his passion for music and shaping his career as a singer-songwriter. Reflecting on his early years, he recalled performing in local pubs and bars around Ipswich before moving to London to pursue his dreams. “Although I’ve toured globally, I never had the chance to perform in Ipswich until now, which makes this concert feel incredibly special,” he expressed.
Sheeran revealed that his aspiration to perform at Portman Road began back in 2019 after concluding his Divide tour. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing football season, he had to perform elsewhere. “It has always been my dream to play at Portman Road, and I consistently reached out to the Ipswich Town team. However, my touring schedule often conflicted with the rigid football calendar,” he explained. Now, as an investor in Ipswich Town, he finally has the opportunity to launch his new record with a special weekend of shows. “While I’ve played in prestigious stadiums worldwide, nothing holds as much significance as this venue. This truly is a homecoming, with only three nights of unforgettable performances and an incredible lineup, including a special shout out to James Blunt for joining us,” Sheeran concluded.
Eager fans can secure early access to tickets by pre-ordering Play from Sheeran’s official store by 3 p.m. BST on Tuesday, May 6. A pre-sale will kick off at 10 a.m. BST on Wednesday, May 7, followed by a general ticket sale at 10 a.m. BST on Friday, May 9. For more information regarding ticketing and availability, click here to stay updated.
Recently, Sheeran unveiled exciting details about his forthcoming eighth studio album, Play, set to be released on September 12 via Gingerbread Man Records and Atlantic Records. This will be his first full-length LP since the release of Autumn Variations in 2023. The album is expected to feature the Persian-influenced first single, “Azizam,” along with the nostalgic new song, “Old Phone,” promising a diverse range of musical influences and emotional depth.
Don’t miss out on the visual excitement; check out the captivating poster and behind-the-scenes video pitch for Sheeran’s anticipated Ipswich Town shows below. These visuals capture the essence of the upcoming performances and the deep connection Sheeran has with the venue.
