Ed Sheeran’s Australian Loop Tour just took a detour through Ipswich, Queensland, where the global pop heavyweight made a surprise visit ahead of his sold-out Brisbane shows at Suncorp Stadium, and yes, Ipswich wasted zero time claiming him.
Before three packed nights in Brisbane, Sheeran quietly rolled into Ipswich to sign a mural celebrating his eighth studio album, ‘PLAY’, the artwork, painted by Brisbane artist Duncan Mattocks and commissioned by Warner Music Australia last September, has become a bit of a local shrine.
A Ten Month Campaign Pays Off
What started as a mural turned into a full blown community push, dubbed ‘Get Ed to Ipswich’, the campaign saw Mayor Teresa Harding, local businesses, schools and residents rallying to lure Sheeran north west of Brisbane (per press release).
A bakery even baked up a ‘Ginger-Ed’ cookie, the local pub poured a custom ‘Ed Beeran Brew’, yep Ipswich went all in.
When Sheeran finally signed the mural, now cemented as a local landmark, he joked, “There’s a new mayor in town”.
From Pop Star To Co-Mayor
The visit didn’t end with a Sharpie signature, at Suncorp Stadium, Mayor Teresa Harding presented Sheeran with the official mayoral chains of office, naming him honorary co-Mayor of Ipswich.
“It was a wonderful moment to be able to thank him for noticing our city, for making the trip, and for giving Ipswich a moment we’ll be talking about for a long time”, Harding said.
For a city often overshadowed by Brisbane, the gesture clearly landed.
Sheeran has already delivered eight Australian shows on the Loop Tour, with four stadium dates left before he wraps this run.
Final Shows – 2026 Loop Australian Tour
Thursday, February 26th – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, Vic
Friday, February 27th – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, Vic
Saturday, February 28th – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, Vic
Thursday, March 5th – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, SA
Love him or not, Sheeran’s grip on stadium Australia remains ironclad, Ipswich just made sure they’re part of that story.
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