Ipswich Mayor's Campaign to Bring Ed Sheeran to Australia in February 2026

Ipswich, Australia is trying hard to get Ed Sheeran to visit for a concert in February 2026. They even made a big mural of him!
By Newsroom | Entertainment, Australia |

A concerted effort by Ipswich, Australia, Mayor Teresa Harding to bring global music star Ed Sheeran to her city has gained significant traction, employing a multi-pronged approach that includes a personal visit to Sheeran's UK hometown, public art, and a strong online presence. The campaign is timed to coincide with Sheeran's upcoming Australian tour in February 2026.

‘There’s a new mayor in town’: Ed Sheeran visits Ipswich after online campaign - 1

Campaign Genesis and Escalation

The initiative by Mayor Harding, of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia, began in May 2025. It was sparked by Sheeran's practice of performing pop-up shows in various cities named Ipswich around the world, including his native Ipswich, UK.

‘There’s a new mayor in town’: Ed Sheeran visits Ipswich after online campaign - 2

  • Mayor Harding's campaign has seen a variety of activities:

  • A visit to Ipswich, UK, in September 2025.

  • The unveiling of a large mural dedicated to Ed Sheeran in Ipswich, Australia, around late September 2025.

  • Extensive use of social media, encouraging residents to share photos with the mural and tag Ed Sheeran.

  • Mayor Harding has personally sent letters, emails, and made social media posts.

  • She also sang an Ed Sheeran song on a ride at the Ipswich Show.

Direct Outreach and Symbolic Gestures

Mayor Harding's strategy involves direct appeals and symbolic acts designed to capture Sheeran's attention.

‘There’s a new mayor in town’: Ed Sheeran visits Ipswich after online campaign - 3

  • During her visit to Ipswich, UK, Harding met with Damon Jeffery, landlord of The Thomas Wolsey pub. This pub was temporarily renamed "The Old Phone" in honor of one of Sheeran's songs and had hosted a surprise gig by the artist earlier in May 2025.

  • Jeffery, who has Australian-British dual nationality and was born near Ipswich, Queensland, was tasked with delivering an official invitation to Sheeran.

  • The intention was for Jeffery to leverage his connections to ensure the invitation reached the musician.

  • The mural in Ipswich, Australia, funded by Warner Music Australia, was created by Brisbane-based artist Mattocks. It is located in Ipswich Central and was completed in approximately six days. This artwork is seen as a significant visual draw and a strong signal of the city's desire for his visit.

Evidence of Sheeran's Awareness

While there is no direct confirmation of Sheeran's personal response, evidence suggests the campaign has registered with his team.

‘There’s a new mayor in town’: Ed Sheeran visits Ipswich after online campaign - 4

  • Mayor Harding has stated that a message passed from The Thomas Wolsey pub indicated that Sheeran was "looking into a few things" regarding the invitation.

  • The timing of the campaign is aligned with Sheeran's "Loop" tour in Australia, which includes dates at Suncorp Stadium in February 2026.

  • His new album, "Play," was released earlier in September 2025, potentially increasing his engagement with promotional activities.

City Council and Community Involvement

The campaign is supported by the Ipswich City Council and has seen community engagement.

Read More: NYT Mini Crossword February 20 2026 Answers Help People Finish Puzzle

  • The mural project was a partnership between the Council and Warner Music Australia.

  • Mayor Harding has actively encouraged public participation through social media.

  • The campaign aims to highlight Ipswich, Australia, as a significant location, with Harding humorously suggesting it could be called "East Ipswich" due to its appeal to Sheeran, who now has a family.

Conclusion

Mayor Teresa Harding's comprehensive campaign for Ed Sheeran to visit Ipswich, Australia, has demonstrably escalated through a combination of personal diplomacy, significant public art, and widespread media engagement. The visit to Sheeran's hometown and the creation of a dedicated mural, supported by his record label, indicate a serious endeavor. The information received via the UK pub suggests the invitation has at least reached a point of consideration. The effectiveness of this strategy will become clearer as Sheeran's Australian tour approaches in February 2026.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Ipswich Mayor trying to get Ed Sheeran to visit Ipswich, Australia?
Mayor Teresa Harding wants Ed Sheeran to perform in Ipswich, Australia, during his February 2026 tour. She hopes he will do a pop-up show like he has done in other cities named Ipswich.
Q: What has Mayor Harding done to try and get Ed Sheeran to visit?
Mayor Harding visited Ipswich, UK, to personally invite him. She also helped create a large mural of Ed Sheeran in Ipswich, Australia, and used social media to get people involved.
Q: Has Ed Sheeran responded to the invitation?
There is no direct confirmation from Ed Sheeran himself. However, a message from a pub in Ipswich, UK, suggested he was looking into the invitation.
Q: When is Ed Sheeran expected to be in Australia?
Ed Sheeran has an Australian tour planned for February 2026, including shows at Suncorp Stadium.
Q: Who paid for the Ed Sheeran mural in Ipswich, Australia?
The mural in Ipswich, Australia, was funded by Warner Music Australia and created by artist Mattocks.