Why it matters: With 90,000 people coming to Ipswich to see Ed Sheeran next week, local businesses have a unique opportunity to showcase the town, welcome visitors and boost trade.
The big picture: Ipswich Borough Council is working with Ipswich Central to "Welcome home Ed" through the "turn the town pink" campaign. The Town Hall and Willis building will be lit up pink at night, with pink-themed window displays and a pink plaque trail throughout town.
How businesses can get involved
Display welcome posters: Put up "Welcome Home Ed" posters in street-facing windows to show support for the campaign.
Create pink window displays: Decorate windows with something pink and share photos on social media. The best display wins a £500 prize, to be judged on 11 July.
Host Ed-themed events and offers: Run Sheeran pub quizzes, special dish promotions, or anything pink-themed from cocktails to clothing offers.
Join the social media campaign: Share posts about welcoming Ed home, celebrating Ipswich, or showcasing what your business is doing. Tag All About Ipswich and use #welcomehomeed to reach thousands of followers. Social media assets, including header banners and images, are available to make promotion easier.
What else is happening: Pink bunting is being put up around the town centre, and a temporary "Ed trail" features 16 pink heritage-style plaques around town for visitors to enjoy.
The bottom line: With tens of thousands of visitors heading to Ipswich next week, participating businesses can help create a memorable welcome while showcasing what the town has to offer.
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