Ipswich shops turn pink to welcome Ed Sheeran home

Ipswich has turned bright pink as Ed Sheeran returns home for a series of sold-out concerts.

Sheeran will perform later at Portman Road stadium as well as on Saturday and Sunday night.

Shops across the town were encouraged to decorate their storefronts pink to match his new album artwork and celebrate the homecoming shows.

Fiona Coe of Coes on Norwich Road said she believed the concerts were "such a good opportunity for the town".

"This seemed like the perfect opportunity to do something fun," she said.

"The reaction has been amazing.

"We spent time painting the guitars, and we wanted to do it in a low-cost, crafty way. It's great people love it."

It was her idea to put face masks of Sheeran on the mannequins that have delighted customers.

"I went along Norwich Road where we are based, and spoke to other businesses and got them involved," she continued.

"I think the town's going to be fantastic this week, and obviously there's a heatwave coming as well, which is going to make it even better."

Rebecca Eaks, business owner of the Military Unit in The Walk, said it was "positive" to see Sheeran coming back into town.

"We heard they were doing a paint it pink and obviously we're military and male orientated, so we were a little bit indecisive thinking we didn't want to completely go crazy pink," she said.

"But we wanted to get into the spirit of it like everybody else... we wanted to put on a bit of a show for when [fans] came into Ipswich.

"I think it's softened the window display a bit because we're quite camo and green, so it's actually been quite beneficial and made it a bit more welcoming as well.

"We've had some good feedback."

Christopher Hardman, owner of Berridges jewellers on Dial Lane, was attending the concerts himself over the weekend.

"We were approached by All About Ipswich with the will to want to make Ipswich pink to welcome Ed Sheeran," he said.

"We have had very good reaction.

"My wife Angela did the display, she's our display artist, it took her half a day, something like that.

"There's definitely a buzz about Ed coming to see us."

Plenty of other stores across the town had got involved with the celebration too.

The British Heart Foundation had a complete pink front, while others, such as Threads for All, Sense charity shop, and Starbucks, kitted their windows in all things pink.

Sheeran's upcoming album, Play, has been the inspiration behind the pink displays and bunting.

All three nights of Sheeran's concerts were sold out, with up to 90,000 fans expected in attendance across the weekend.

Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Central will be hosting a three-day homecoming party in the town centre too.

This will include a Cornhill fan zone from 10:00 to 18:00 BST each day, featuring a large screen filled with Sheeran trivia, live messages from fans and more.

A pop-up shop selling merchandise will be set up, and there will be live busking in Alderman Park next to Portman Road stadium from 13:30 daily.

Labour council leader, Neil MacDonald, said it was "shaping up to be an unforgettable few days".

"With so many concertgoers and other visitors expected, Ipswich is ready to welcome them and show them what we have to offer," he said.

"We've already enjoyed some superb events around town this summer, and this weekend will put the pink icing on the cake.

"It's a fantastic boost for our local economy and town centre businesses, as well as a true showcase of Ipswich spirit."

He continued: "Along with Ipswich Central, the council would like to thank everyone who's got on board with making this celebration one to remember.

"The town is already buzzing with excitement, and we're inviting the whole community to come together and be part of the fun all over town as Ed returns to his home turf."

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