Ed Sheeran announces ‘Play’ album homecoming shows in Ipswich
Ed Sheeran will perform at the gigs at Portman Road at the home of his precious Ipswich Town FC team.
Ed Sheeran is returning to his roots this summer to celebrate his upcoming album Play with a special run of shows in his hometown of Ipswich. On Friday (May 2), Sheeran announced three exclusive concerts at Portman Road stadium — the home ground of his beloved Ipswich Town Football Club.
A Star-Studded Weekend in July
The shows, scheduled for July 11, 12, and 13, will feature a rotating lineup of popular guest performers:
- July 11 – Myles Smith and Tori Kelly
- July 12 – Busted and Dylan
- July 13 – James Blunt and Maisie Peters
Sheeran, who holds a minority stake in Ipswich Town FC, shared a heartfelt announcement alongside a promo video featuring his new single, “Old Phone.” In the clip, he’s seen drawing lines on the football pitch — a visual symbol of his deep connection to the venue.
A Dream Years in the Making
In a moving essay, Sheeran reflected on his earliest memories of Portman Road, recalling a concert he attended as a child:
“One of the first concerts I ever went to was at Portman Road to see Elton John. James Blunt opened for him, and I got so obsessed with James’ music, it really shaped me as a singer-songwriter.”
Though he began his music journey performing in Ipswich pubs and bars, Sheeran never got the chance to play a full stadium show in his hometown.
“If I’m gonna do it, it has to be special,” he explained.
Closing the Circle
Sheeran initially hoped to perform at Portman Road after wrapping up his Divide tour in 2019, but scheduling conflicts with the football season got in the way.
Now, with his investment in the club and the launch of Play, the stars have aligned:
“This really is a true homecoming, and it’s 3 nights only. It’ll be such a special weekend of shows, with a killer line-up — shout out to James Blunt for coming back and completing the circle.”
A Celebration of Music, Roots, and Return
These concerts mark more than just an album release — they symbolize Sheeran’s return to where it all began, surrounded by artists he admires and the fans who watched him grow.