Ipswich’s push to lure music star Ed Sheeran to the south-east Queensland city has stepped up a gear with the unveiling of a mural of the signer-songwriter, who has immortalised the English town of Ipswich in his lyrics.
Artist Duncan Mattocks told Inside Local Government the mural was a nod to Ed Sheeran’s Ipswich roots, but also tapped into “the excitement in our Ipswich about the possibility of Ed popping by for a visit when he tours Australia next year”.
The Queensland town’s Mayor Teresa Harding kicked off a “bring Ed Sheeran to Ipswich” campaign back in May in response to a number of pop-up gigs he had held in different Ipswich cities across the world, including his own hometown of Ipswich, UK.
“I’ve sent letters and emails, social media posts, we’ve had media coverage in Australia and the UK, I’ve sang an Ed Sheeran song while riding the scariest ride at the Ipswich Show, and most recently visited Ed’s hometown in Ipswich, UK to hand deliver my invitation,” Mayor Harding said.
She said the effort had led to Warner Music Australia funding the mural of Sheeran in the heart the city.
“Here’s hoping this will be the backdrop to a surprise Ed Sheeran gig when he returns to Brisbane in February 2026.
“This is the strongest sign yet that my many invitations to Ed Sheeran, his management team and record label have been received.
“I am hopeful this mural is an indication that they are seriously considering our invitation for Ed to visit the biggest and best Ipswich in the world.”
Mayor Harding said the mural, which was approximately 11.5m long and 4m high, could been seen on the wall between the Hotel Commonwealth and 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich Central.
She said it took Brisbane-based Mattocks around six days, 12 different colours and approximately 10 litres of paint to complete.
“It has definitely been one of the more notable projects I have undertaken, with a lot of interested locals dropping by throughout the week to ask questions or grab a photo. The town is buzzing about Ed Sheeran,” Mattocks said.
“It has been close to a week of painstakingly painting every small detail to bring Ed Sheeran to life, and it would be an absolute honour if he has the opportunity to see it for himself next year.”
– Ed Sheeran will play Suncorp Stadium on the 20, 21 and 22 February 20, 21 and 22, 2026, as part of his Australian ‘Loop’ tour, and his new album Play was released earlier this month.
