May 05, 2025
Ed Sheeran has once again proven why he’s one of the most beloved artists in the world—by bringing music straight to the heart of his hometown fans in Suffolk. Over the bank holiday weekend, the global superstar delighted locals with an impromptu gig at The Thomas Wolsey pub in Ipswich, which he temporarily renamed The Old Phone in honor of his latest single.
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In true Sheeran fashion, the transformation of the pub began in the early hours of Sunday morning, with workers covering the venue’s signage and replacing it with branding inspired by his new song. The pub will carry the name The Old Phone for two weeks before reverting to its original title, making it a must-visit spot for fans eager to soak in the atmosphere of this unique tribute.
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Sheeran teased the event on social media, inviting fans to respond with a beer emoji for a chance to attend. Those lucky enough to secure a spot were treated to an intimate performance, where the singer shared clips of the night on Instagram, captioning: "Brought the Old Phone for a homecoming show in Ipswich today. Thank you to @fishclawband for rocking it with me and for everyone who came down. Old Phone out now x."
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This surprise gig wasn’t just about promoting his new single—it was a heartfelt nod to his roots. Sheeran, who grew up in Framlingham, Suffolk, has always maintained a strong connection to his hometown, frequently returning for impromptu performances and community events. His latest song, Old Phone, was inspired by revisiting messages on his old device during a copyright lawsuit, making this pub renaming even more meaningful.
Fans React
The excitement was palpable as crowds gathered outside the pub, hoping to catch a glimpse of the star. Some traveled from as far as Derbyshire to attend, others, like Alyssa Ali from Florida, happened to be visiting Ipswich at just the right time.
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Michael Marron, a local fan, summed up the sentiment perfectly: "It's great that he's come back to Ipswich and he's entertaining the people of Suffolk. He always goes the extra mile for us."
This isn’t the first time Sheeran has pulled off a surprise performance. He previously opened versions of The Old Phone in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and at Coachella, proving that his love for intimate gigs knows no bounds.
With his latest album Play set to release in September, and a series of gigs planned at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road stadium in July, Sheeran continues to show that no matter how big he gets, he’ll always make time for the people and places that shaped him.
So, if you’re in Ipswich, grab a pint at The Old Phone while you can—you never know when Ed might pop in for another surprise performance!
