Ipswich City Council Mayor, Teresa Harding’s campaign to get international music star, Ed Sheeran, to visit the city when he tours Australia early next year has reached new heights with the unveiling of a large mural dedicated to the singer-songwriter.
The colourful new mural is the result of a partnership between Council and Warner Music Australia, with Ed Sheeran’s record label funding the cost of the mural and Council supplying the use of the wall located between the Hotel Commonwealth and 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich Central.
Mayor Harding kicked off her Ed Sheeran campaign back in May in response to a number of pop-up gigs he has held in different Ipswich cities across the world, including his own hometown of Ipswich, UK.
“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.
“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.
“It’s extraordinary this has led to Warner Music Australia funding a mural of Ed Sheeran in the heart of our city. Here’s hoping this will be the backdrop to a surprise Ed Sheeran gig when he returns to Brisbane in February 2026.
“With a brand new album, an Australian tour on the way, and now an Ed Sheeran mural in the heart of the city, the buzz around a potential Ed Sheeran visit has reached an all-time high here in Ipswich.”
The large mural, which is approximately 11.5 metres long and four metres high, has been painted by Brisbane-based artist, Duncan Mattocks, taking 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,” said Mr Mattocks.
“The mural is a nod to Ed Sheeran’s Ipswich roots, but also the excitement in our Ipswich about the possibility of Ed popping by for a visit when he tours Australia next year.
“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.”
The mural has been funded by Warner Music Australia, with in-kind support offered by Ipswich City Council.
Ed Sheeran will play Suncorp Stadium on the 20, 21 and 22 February 2026 as part of his Australian ‘Loop’ tour, and his new album ‘Play’ was released earlier this month.
