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Ipswich's pink transformation complete as Sheeran fever takes over the town

Pink lights illuminate historic buildings, themed displays fill shop windows, and bunting lines the streets as Ipswich rolls out the ultimate pink carpet for Ed Sheeran's homecoming.

Oliver Rouane-Williams

Oliver Rouane-Williams

— 4 min read
Ipswich Minster, the Town Hall and Willis Building all lit up pink
Ipswich Minster, the Town Hall and Willis Building all lit up pink

What's happening: The Willis Building, Ipswich Minster and Town Hall – three of Ipswich's most iconic buildings – now glow pink at night, alongside countless shop windows decorated in the signature colour inspired by Ed's upcoming Play album, the pink heart balloon from his Azizam video, and the Ipswich Town FC third kit he helped unveil.

The transformation extends far beyond landmark buildings.

  • Shops and businesses throughout the town have decorated their window displays pink, with many running pink-themed promotions and competing for a £500 prize in the window dressing competition.
  • New murals adorn the walls of the Buttermarket shopping centre and Tower Street Food Hall, while pink bunting decorates the town centre.
  • Even roadside verges are turning rosy and the fountain in Christchurch Park is flowing with a new pink hue.
The town hall on Cornhill has been lit up pink
The town hall on Cornhill has been lit up pink Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)
Ipswich Minster has been joined the festivities, too
Ipswich Minster has been joined the festivities, too (Ipswich Minster)
The Willis Building has been lit up pink
The Willis Building has been lit up pink in preparation for Ed Sheeran's gigs this week Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

The details: The celebration includes:

  • A three-day Cornhill Fan Zone from 10:00-18:00 each day, featuring a large screen with Ed trivia, live messages from fans, and entertainment from Suffolk Sound.
  • A pop-up shop selling exclusive "Ed Made in Suffolk" merchandise, with 15 per cent off offers available.
  • A Pink Plaque Trail highlighting 16 key spots linked to Ed's journey.
  • Live busking in Alderman Park from 13:30 daily.
  • Businesses offering themed deals, including 10 per cent off pink drinks at Starbucks and 20 per cent off Krispy Kreme donuts.
  • Revolution hosting themed bottomless brunches, while VQ is offering children's meals for £1.
  • Tower Street Food Hall is extending its opening hours to 01:00.

Travel advice: The council is advising both local residents and visiting Ed fans to forward plan their travel arrangements, with road closures in effect on Portman Road and Sir Alf Ramsey Way from 12:00-midnight on each concert day.

Parking information for concertgoers is available at www.ipswich.gov.uk/edsheeranparking, while full event details can be found at www.allaboutipswich.com.

The Salthouse has been dressed in pink
The Salthouse has been dressed in pink Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)
Ed's makes an appearance in the stunning pink Coes shopfront display
Ed's makes an appearance in the stunning pink Coes shopfront display Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)
Puzzle Boutique has gone big with its beautiful pink window display
Puzzle Boutique has gone big with its beautiful pink window display Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)
Seven has opted for a lifesize Sheeran cutout, pink bunting and window posters
Seven has opted for a lifesize Sheeran cutout, pink bunting and window posters Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)
The Thomas Wolsey donning pink bunting, posters and plaque
The Thomas Wolsey donning pink bunting, posters and plaque Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

What they're saying: Tom Mumford, Vicar at Ipswich Minster, which has also been lit up pink, said: "Along with the whole of Ipswich we're delighted to welcome Ed home this weekend. Ed visited us over Christmas, meeting our choristers and encouraging our choir. He's a huge encourager and supporter of his local town, and so we want to support and encourage him."

Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central, said: "When a global megastar comes home to perform it's time for the whole town to come together and celebrate. We asked the town to turn pink as a 'Welcome Home Ed' party and so many businesses have answered this call, entering the pink shop window competition, displaying Welcome Home Ed posters, fringe events, special offers on pink drinks and lighting their buildings pink for the weekend."

Ed Sheeran mural at Tower Street Food Hall by Ipswich artist Narin Naseri
Ed Sheeran mural at Tower Street Food Hall by Ipswich artist Narin Naseri (Tower Street Food Hall)
The Ed Sheeran mural by Keith Hopewell is part of the town-wide "Paint the Town Pink" campaign
The mural by Keith Hopewell is part of the town-wide "Paint the Town Pink" campaign (Buttermarket Ipswich)

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "Whether you're an Ed superfan or just want to soak up the atmosphere in Ipswich, it's shaping up to be an unforgettable few days. We're thrilled to see him coming home to perform at Portman Road, and bringing 90,000 fans with him."

The bottom line: From landmark buildings to corner shops, Ipswich has proven that when the town comes together to celebrate one of its own, the result is nothing short of spectacular.

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