Town to 'turn pink' for Ed Sheeran concerts

Ed Sheeran will be performing across three nights at Ipswich Town's Portman Road stadium

A town will celebrate Ed Sheeran's series of homecoming gigs by turning pink.

Earlier this month Sheeran announced a run of shows at Ipswich Town Football Club's home stadium Portman Road on 11, 12 and 13 July.

Ipswich Central Business Improvement District (BID) and Ipswich Borough Council announced they would decorate the town with bunting in the same shade of pink as Sheeran's new album, Play, to welcome him home.

Lee Walker, chief executive of the BID, said it was "a chance for the whole town to celebrate".

"When we heard that global superstar, dedicated Ipswich Town fan and local lad Ed Sheeran was coming home to perform in Ipswich this summer, and bringing 90,000 fans with him, we knew we had to celebrate," Mr Walker said.

"As we 'Welcome Home Ed' it's a chance for the whole town to celebrate as the eyes of the world fall on the town."

Mr Walker added that Ipswich was "the only town getting this opportunity this summer" and it was an opportunity to welcome home one of its "successful sons".

Sheeran went to school in Framlingham and is also has a minority share in Ipswich Town Football Club.

Businesses have been urged to turn pink as part of the celebrations

During July, street entertainment including live music from local talent will be organised and on Sheeran's concert days there will be a fan zone of music, merchandise, food and drink stalls on Cornhill.

Venues with a connection to Sheeran are due to be highlighted on a walking tour hosted on the All About Ipswich website.

Ipswich Central has also launched a Sheeran-themed window dressing competition.

Labour leader of the council, Neil MacDonald, added he believed "plenty of people" would be on board with painting the town pink.

"We're very happy to welcome him back, and the whole area will benefit from the boost to the local economy," he added.