'Ipswich is at its best when it gets behind something together'
A joint campaign by Ipswich Central and Ipswich Town FC is calling on the whole town to unite in blue and white this weekend, as the club looks to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.
Why it matters: The Town Behind The Team campaign aims to bring shopfronts, venues and businesses together in a visible show of support for Ipswich Town in the build-up to Saturday, 2 May, with organisers describing it as a "moment for Ipswich to be proud, visible and united."
The details: From Friday, a series of player portraits by artist Louise Cobbold will begin appearing in shop windows, businesses and venues across the town.
- Cobbold created the matchday programme artwork for the 2025/26 Championship season and has played a key role in making the project possible, alongside the support of Chris Cobbold.
- Large banners featuring player portraits and a rallying cry to the team will be displayed from the Town Hall.
- New blue banners will be installed along the Debenhams fence hoardings.
How to get involved: Businesses are being encouraged to take part by displaying player posters, dressing their shopfronts in blue and white, installing bunting or flags, sharing campaign graphics on social media, and encouraging staff to wear blue and white on Saturday, 2 May.
Participating businesses will receive A2 player portrait posters featuring Cobbold's artwork, donated by ITFC, alongside printable A3 and A4 support posters and social media graphics to share online.
What they're saying: Lee Walker, Chief Executive of Ipswich Central, said: "This is about showing the strength of feeling across Ipswich and making sure the team can see, feel and hear the town behind them. Football has an incredible power to bring people together, and Ipswich Town's success is something that reaches well beyond Portman Road."
He added: "We want businesses across the town centre to get involved, whether that is by putting a poster in the window, dressing their shopfront in blue and white, or sharing the campaign online. This is a moment for Ipswich to be proud, visible and united."
Mark Ashton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ipswich Town Football Club, said: "The connection between the club and the town is incredibly special, and campaigns like this show exactly what Ipswich Town means to the wider community."
He added: "We are hugely grateful to Ipswich Central, Louise and Chris Cobbold, and all the businesses taking part. Seeing the town come together in blue and white will mean a great deal to the players, staff and everyone connected with the club."
The bigger picture: Walker said the campaign reflected something deeper about the town's identity.
"Ipswich has always been at its best when it gets behind something together. This is a simple but powerful way for the whole town to show its support and remind everyone that Ipswich Town is not just a football club — it is part of the identity and energy of the place," he said.
What's next: The campaign will begin appearing across the town from Friday. Businesses and supporters are encouraged to use the hashtags #COYB, #TownBehindTheTeam and #ComeOnYouBlues, and to tag Ipswich Town Football Club and All About Ipswich across social media.
The bottom line: With Saturday, 2 May approaching, Ipswich Central and Ipswich Town are inviting the town to wear its colours on its sleeve — and on its shopfronts, windows and walls.
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