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Ed Sheeran backs City of Culture bid for town that 'shaped' him

Ben ParkerSuffolk
Shaun Whitmore/BBC Ed Sheeran wearing a white t-shirt playing guitar and singing in to a microphone on the Ipswich waterfront, crowds of people can be seen in the backgroundShaun Whitmore/BBC
Ed Sheeran performed a surprise gig on Ipswich's waterfront in June

Superstar singer Ed Sheeran has been named as one of the ambassadors backing a town's bid to become City of Culture 2029.

Ipswich, in Suffolk, joins eight other locations on the long list for the award, which comes with a £10m prize pot - large towns are allowed to enter the competition.

Other well-known ambassadors from Suffolk include musician Brian Eno, actor Griff Rhys Jones and theatre star Kerry Ellis.

Sheeran said: "This town has shaped who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and it has an incredible community spirit. That's why Suffolk and Ipswich will always be where I call home."

Sheeran, who grew up and still lives in Suffolk, started his career playing gigs in the county and has played a number of surprise gigs in Ipswich, including an acoustic set on the waterfront in June.

"Arts and culture should be accessible to everyone, and I know this title would help create even more opportunities for people in the local area. Let's do all we can to make it happen," Sheeran said.

Shaun Whitmore/BBC Griff Rhys Jones is sitting on a red chair in a theatre. He has short grey hair and is looking towards the camera smiling. He is wearing a grey chequered shirt.Shaun Whitmore/BBC
Griff Rhys Jones said Ipswich is a hub for the arts

The title has been won previously by places such as Hull, Coventry and most recently Bradford.

Rhys Jones, who lives on Shotley Peninsula, said Ipswich has "astounding churches, distinguished ancient houses, an historic port, theatres and concert venues" and is "already a hub for art, music, dance, drama and comedy."

Ellis made her stage debut aged nine at Ipswich's Wolsey Theatre and said the town has a thriving creative spirit.

Jacks River Productions/CBBC Nandi Bushell is sitting on the right side of the picture, with her body facing to the left. She is wearing a black T-shirt and holding brown drum sticks. She is playing the drums on a stage.Jacks River Productions/CBBC
Nandi Bushell said Ipswich had supported her to become a musician

Teenage musician Nandi Bushell, who has performed alongside the Foo Fighters and Lenny Kravitz, said: "I've lived in Ipswich for nearly my whole life and I am proud to be from here. Without this town's support, I would not be the musician I am."

Other ambassadors include Jimmy and Michaela Doherty, the founders of Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park at Wherstead and soul and funk singer Ashton Jones, who grew up in Ipswich.

A full bid is set to be submitted to the Department for Media, Culture and Sport on 10 August, with a shortlist announced in the autumn. The winner will be announced by the end of the year.

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