Ed Sheeran made a powerful homecoming on July 11, 2025, kicking off the first of three highly anticipated nights at Portman Road Stadium in Ipswich. With 30,000 fans packed into the venue, Sheeran delivered more than just a concert—it was a full-circle celebration of his journey from Suffolk busker to global superstar. As the lights dimmed and Sheeran emerged under soft stage smoke, launching into “Sapphire,” the crowd’s roar set the tone for a night brimming with heartfelt connection.
Earlier in the evening, up-and-coming artist Myles Smith, sporting a pink Ipswich Town shirt, warmed up the stage with his soulful set. But when Sheeran took over, the energy shifted. Playing hits like “Shivers,” “The A Team,” and “Castle on the Hill,” he captivated the crowd with emotional honesty and stripped-back arrangements using his signature loop pedal. The audience sang along word-for-word, many clearly moved by the personal stories behind each song.
In a surprise that stunned fans, Irish pop legends Westlife appeared mid-show to perform a powerful live duet of “Flying Without Wings” with Sheeran. The moment was electric—Westlife’s soaring harmonies paired with Sheeran’s warm vocals created a wave of nostalgia that swept across the stadium. The collaboration held special meaning for Sheeran, who has credited Westlife’s music as one of his earliest influences growing up.
Not long after, Sheeran invited another surprise guest to the stage—James Blunt. The two friends joined voices on “You’re Beautiful,” followed by an emotional moment where Sheeran shared how much Blunt’s music had meant to him as a young teenager. He told the crowd that not only did Blunt become his musical inspiration, but also a lifelong friend and even godfather to his child. “Don’t meet your heroes… unless your hero is James Blunt,” he said with a smile, drawing applause and laughter from the crowd.
The setlist also featured moving tributes, including “Eyes Closed,” a ballad Sheeran dedicated to his late friend Jamal. Other highlights included fan favorites like “Galway Girl,” performed alongside folk group Beoga, and a euphoric encore of “Shape of You” and “Bad Habits,” punctuated by a dazzling fireworks finale that lit up the Suffolk night sky.
As the first night wrapped up, Sheeran thanked fans, friends, and his family for making it all possible. For those lucky enough to attend, it wasn’t just about the music—it was about witnessing an artist return to his roots and bring the world with him. With two more shows to go, Ipswich is in for a weekend it will never forget.
