Ed Sheeran announces series of Portman Road gigs

Singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran has announced a series of homecoming gigs at Ipswich Town Football Club's Portman Road stadium.

Sheeran, who went to school in Framlingham and is a minority stakeholder at the football club, has announced he will play three shows at the stadium on 11, 12 and 13 July.

It comes as he announced his new album Play would be released in September.

Sheeran said on social media after the announcement it had always been a "dream" to play Portman Road.

"I play all around the world, in such amazing stadiums, but nothing means as much as this one here," he said.

"This really is a true homecoming, and is three nights only.

"It'll be such a special weekend of shows, with a killer line up."

He added that one of his first ever concerts was at Portman Road to see Elton John when he was supported by James Blunt.

Fans will be able to gain access to a pre-sale at 09:00 GMT on Wednesday for the shows before general sale begins Friday at 10:00.

Sheeran will supported by Myles Smith and Tori Kelly on 11 July.

The following night will be supported by Busted and Dylan before the final show will have James Blunt and Maisie Peters supporting.

Ipswich Town began teasing the news on Thursday night with a few images of a play symbol on the football club's logo.

It had been projected on to the side of Portman Road as well as the Orwell Bridge.

Fans were quick to realise what the tease meant and the posts were filled with comments, many expressing they could not wait for the shows.

"Finally... squad number 17 making his Portman Road debut four years after signing," one fan said.

"Teddy's coming home," another added.

Leader of Ipswich Borough Council Neil MacDonald said he was "thrilled" by the news.

"He is Suffolk's very own superstar and a fantastic ambassador for Ipswich," he said.

"Ed will inevitably create a huge boost to the town's economy, benefitting many businesses, hopefully for the long-term, as he puts Ipswich on the map and brings more people here."

Sheeran previously performed at the stadium in 2021 as part of TikTok's UEFA Euro 2020 show.

While the event was live streamed, there was no live audience.

The singer also previously played a series of shows at Ipswich's Chantry Park in 2019 and since then has done several impromptu shows.

Mark Ashton, Ipswich Town chairman and chief executive previously said he had spoken with Sheeran last year about a possible show at the same he had also been speaking with boxer Fabio Wardley who announced a fight at the stadium last month.

"Both relationships [with Sheeran and Wardley] since we've come in, they're family.

"We're proud of them, they're proud of us."

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.