News

Join the pink party: Ipswich businesses urged to go pink for Ed Sheeran homecoming

From displaying posters to hosting themed events, here's how Ipswich businesses can get involved in the town's "turn the town pink" celebration ahead of Ed Sheeran's homecoming concerts.

Oliver Rouane-Williams

Oliver Rouane-Williams

— 2 min read
The Thomas Wolsey donning pink bunting, posters and plaque
The Thomas Wolsey donning pink bunting, posters and plaque

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

  1. Display welcome posters: Put up "Welcome Home Ed" posters in street-facing windows to show support for the campaign.
  2. 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.
  3. Host Ed-themed events and offers: Run Sheeran pub quizzes, special dish promotions, or anything pink-themed from cocktails to clothing offers.
  4. 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.
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)
A pink jacket has taken centre stage in the James St Peter's window display
A pink jacket has taken centre stage in the James St Peter's 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)
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)

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.

This article cost us ~£10 to produce

It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners.

Below the line