Ed Sheeran’s Love for Suffolk
Ed Sheeran expressed his love and pride for Suffolk on the second night of his return shows at Portman Road Stadium in Ipswich. The singer and songwriter performed to 30,000 fans each evening on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Fans traveled from far and wide, with some camping out from early morning to get to the front of the standing section.
A Proud Suffolk Native
On Saturday, Sheeran told the crowd that he was "incredibly proud" to be from the county. He shared his journey of becoming a musician and feeling the need to leave Suffolk to pursue his dreams. However, he eventually returned to Suffolk, where he found a sense of community and belonging. Sheeran described Suffolk as his "security" and stated that it’s not just his home, but a place where he feels a real sense of connection with the people and the city.
Gratitude and Appreciation
Sheeran continued to express his gratitude and appreciation for Suffolk, saying that he’s proud to come back and show the city to people from all over the world. He encouraged the crowd not to underestimate themselves as a district and told them how much he loves and appreciates them. The fans were clearly moved by Sheeran’s words, and the concert was a celebration of his love for Suffolk and his music.
A Night to Remember
The performance was a memorable experience for the fans, with many describing it as "absolutely amazing" and "phenomenal." Reverend Tom Mumford, Vicar of Ipswich Minster, attended two of the three shows and praised Sheeran as a "brilliant ambassador for the city." Lindsey Woods, deputy producer of Britten Pears Arts, felt nostalgic during the performance, especially when Sheeran played songs from his early years. She remembered seeing him play in Ipswich when she was 16 and felt grateful to share the experience with others.
Special Moments
The concert was filled with special moments, including a surprise appearance by James Blunt, who supported Sheeran on the last night and later joined him on stage to sing together. The fans were also treated to fireworks, which added to the excitement and energy of the performance. Charlie Law, who attended the show on Friday, described it as a "phenomenal experience," while dancer Rosie May said it was "the best performance of all time." The concert was a testament to Sheeran’s love for Suffolk and his ability to bring people together through his music.
