IN a final, bold bid to lure global superstar Ed Sheeran west of Brisbane, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has declared the city will officially rename the month “Ed-uary”, as a cheeky campaign to tempt the chart-topper to perform in the western corridor.
As Sheeran’s Brisbane shows draw closer, “Ed-uary” will be in place as the whole city keeps watch for a Sheeran surprise pop-up gig.
“This is our final, city wide push to bring Ed to the best Ipswich in the world,” Mayor Harding said.
“For almost a year we’ve been extending invitations, singing his songs, crossing oceans, and even inspiring a mural in the heart of our city.
“Now, the excitement across Ipswich is undeniable.”
Ipswich City Council has assembled a shortlist of 20 potential performance locations across the region, each pitched as a possible pop-up stage when the singer arrives this month for the Brisbane leg of his PLAY tour.
It’s the latest verse in what has become a full-scale charm offensive – one that blends creativity, community and just enough pop-star romance to make Ipswich feel like more than just another stop.
The city isn’t whispering anymore. It’s singing – and hoping Sheeran hears it.
“In coming weeks, we are asking everyone to join us on Ed Watch. Share your messages, photos and support to make sure Ed’s team can feel our enthusiasm for a fellow Ipswichian,” Mayor Harding said.
“Whether Ed pops into one of our heritage pubs or surprises us somewhere completely unexpected, we want him to know he has an open invitation and a friendly community ready to welcome him with open arms.”
In recent months, Ipswich has rolled out a string of attention-grabbing moments aimed squarely at the hitmaker whose songs soundtrack everything from school drop-offs to stadium sing-alongs.
Now, the city has backed sentiment with substance.
With Sheeran set to play Suncorp Stadium on February 20, 21 and 22, Ipswich is strengthening the case that a short detour west could turn a great tour into something unforgettable lasting like graffiti on the overpass.
For Council, the message is clear: Ipswich believes it can offer the perfect symphony for the global superstar.
