Summary

  • Ed Sheeran performed a six-song acoustic set near the University of Suffolk building in Ipswich

  • The singer posted on Instagram to say he'd be at Ipswich Waterfront on Friday morning

  • Setlist: Thinking Out Loud, The A Team (with Lianne Kaye), Shivers, Photograph, Perfect, Shape of You

  • Ed signed off with a message to fans: "I hope you have a fabulous summer and I'm looking forward to the Premier League next season"

  • Local singer Lianne Kaye took to the impromptu stage first

  • BBC Radio Suffolk broadcast live from the Waterfront - listen on BBC Sounds

Live Reporting

Reporting by Shivani Chaudhari, edited by Charlie Jones

  1. Ed starts his show

    Ed has started the first song in his surprise set, Thinking Out Loud, in front of hundreds of fans who have gathered to watch.

    Ed holding a guitar with big crowds behind

  2. Ed Sheeran arrives to cheers from the crowd

    Ed has arrived at the waterfront to start his acoustic set.

    Ed arrives

  3. Lianne Kaye sings about empowerment

    Lianne Kaye performed an original song called Glow which she said was about empowerment, followed by a cover of one of Ed's songs, Lego House.

    Woman with guitar singing to crowdZoie O'Brien/BBC

  4. Local artist chosen to support Ed

    Lianne Kaye from Holbrook is now opening for Ed, she is a local singer and also works as a music teacher.

    A singer wearing all black holding a guitar and performing to a crowdZoie O'Brien/BBC

  5. Office workers excited to see Ed

    Some eagle-eyed readers might be able to spot some very lucky staff in Ipswich Marina who are watching from their desks!

    A crowd of people ready to see the singer and there are people sitting in their offices peering over the crowds to the performanceZoie O'Brien/BBC

  6. Ed expected to perform acoustic set with local guest

    Wayne Bavin tells listeners he understands Ed will go back to his busking days with an acoustic set, probably without loop pedal.He's heard that a local singer will also join him during the set, but no word yet about who that will be.

  7. Children excited to see Ed in person

    All smiles from Belle, Darcey, Jude and Esmay.

    They've secured a place at the front and are hoping Ed will perform Castle On The Hill.

    School children with smiles on facesZoie O'Brien/BBC

  8. Wayne Bavin now live on air

    Wayne Bavin is now live on BBC Radio Suffolk, broadcasting from the Waterfront.

    Crowds outside the University of SuffolkZoie O'Brien/BBC

  9. Temporary stage is set

    Zoie O'Brien

    Here's a look at the impromptu performance space...

    Mics and an amp readyZoie O'Brien/BBC

  10. Four-hour wait for Ed

    Zoie O'Brien

    Millie Kirkpatrick from Sudbury arrived at 05:20 in the hope of seeing Ed today.

    She’s a singer, a huge fan and is hoping to meet him.

    A woman wearing a striped T-shirt and jacketZoie O'Brien/BBC

    She’s never seen him before and is hoping he plays the classics.

  11. Fan hopes for new song

    Zoie O'Brien

    Ashanti Coleman has seen Ed in both Madrid and Ipswich and is hoping he’ll be playing a new song today.

    Ashanti Coleman wearing an Ed Sheeran T-shirt, smilingZoie O'Brien/BBC

    She’s 38 and loves that Ed never forgets Ipswich.

  12. Ed out and about in Suffolk

    Ed Sheeran has been active in his home county in recent weeks - first appearing on the pitch after Ipswich Town secured promotion to the Premier League, and then popping up at a restaurant in Framlingham, much to the delight of the owner:

    Ed Sheeran delights Framlingham curry house with visit

    Belal Mitu with Ed SheeranBelal Mitu

  13. Crowds start to gather

    Zoie O'Brien

    This is how things are looking on the Ipswich Waterfront. Crowds are gathering by the University of Suffolk building.

    Crowds outside the University of Suffolk buildingZoie O'Brien/BBC

  14. Ed's message to fans

    This is what made fans excited - posted last night on Ed's Instagram account:

    'Ipswich! 9am tomorrow at the waterfront, see you there x'Instagram/teddysphotos

  15. Welcome to the live page

    Good morning. We're at the Ipswich Waterfront as crowds gather in the hope of seeing Ed Sheeran.The singer posted on Instagram on Thursday night to say he'd be there from 09:00 this morning.