IPSWICH is buzzing with anticipation as the Ed Sheeran Loop Tour heads to Queensland, and while the city’s most famous new visitor isn’t quite the real Ed, the community’s cardboard counterpart has been making waves everywhere—from hot air balloons to fighter jets.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the campaign is all part of a cheeky mission to lure the real Ed Sheeran to Australia’s Ipswich, following his visits to Ipswichs in the UK and USA last year.
“What began as a simple invitation ten months ago has grown into a full-blown community movement, with cardboard Ed now serving as the campaign’s mascot,” Mayor Harding said.
“Cardboard Ed has had an incredible tour, but it’s the people of Ipswich who have made this journey unforgettable. This ambitious ask has evolved into a remarkable community campaign that’s showcased the creativity, pride and spirit of Ipswich.”
The campaign really took off after Mayor Harding’s spirited rendition of Castle on the Hill aboard The Warrior at the Ipswich Show went viral—despite “more screaming than singing,” she admitted.
In September, Harding travelled to Ipswich in the UK to hand-deliver an official invite to Ed’s local, The Thomas Wolsey pub, where he performed a pop-up show last year. That visit confirmed that the city’s many requests had reached Ed and his team.
Back home, the campaign gained further momentum. A large-scale mural of Ed Sheeran, commissioned by Warner Music Australia, now takes pride of place in the city centre.
Schools, businesses, and community groups jumped on board: Leichhardt State School’s Deadly Dancers performed Sandman in Yagara language, students submitted Ed-themed artwork, local musicians kept the covers coming, and the Prince Alfred Hotel even created a special “Ed Beeran” brew.
Entering what Ipswich has dubbed “Ed-uary,” cardboard Ed has been on a whirlwind tour, floating over the city courtesy of Floating Images, visiting the Pine Mountain Llama Farm, checking out the Brisbane Lions at Brighton Homes Arena, and even enjoying a cockpit moment at RAAF Base Amberley. Support has poured in from all corners—even the Prime Minister has backed the call for Ed to visit.
“From our school students to our local artists, our businesses, our defence community, and importantly our residents, everyone has added their own spark,” Mayor Harding said.
“Whether or not we are able to convince the real Ed Sheeran to visit Ipswich, this campaign’s greatest achievement has been the way it has brought our community together. Ipswich would certainly welcome Ed with open arms.”
Ed Sheeran performed his final Sydney concert on Sunday, 15 February, before heading to Queensland for three shows at Suncorp Stadium on 20, 21, and 22 February 2026.
