Ed Sheeran is one of the world’s biggest music stars, but despite his international success, he has maintained strong links to Suffolk.
From growing up in Framlingham to referencing the county in his music and supporting local causes, Suffolk has played a significant role in the singer-songwriter’s life and career.
Here is everything you need to know about Ed Sheeran, including who he is, his links to Suffolk, his biggest hits and the latest news about him.
Who is Ed Sheeran?
Ed Sheeran, whose full name is Edward Christopher Sheeran, was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, on February 17, 1991.
His family later moved to Framlingham in Suffolk, where he grew up and developed his interest in music.
He began writing songs when he was young before pursuing music professionally and moving to London.
His breakthrough came with his debut studio album +, released in 2011, which included The A Team.
What are Ed Sheeran's links to Suffolk?
Although he was born in West Yorkshire, Sheeran was raised in Framlingham and has retained close ties to Suffolk throughout his career.
He attended Thomas Mills High School in the town, where his passion for music developed before he went on to become one of the world’s biggest-selling artists.
His roots remain firmly in the county, with one of his most significant links being his home and estate in Dennington, near Framlingham.
He was recently granted planning permission to turn six derelict barns forming part of his Grade II-listed Suffolk farm into a music archive.
The buildings will be restored and used for storage as part of a wider project to create a recording complex.
He also owns a nearby 16-acre estate, which has become known as "Sheeranville".
Sheeran has also continued to give back to the area where he grew up, including supporting his former school.
He recently funded a recording studio at Thomas Mills High School, providing pupils with facilities to develop their musical skills.
Suffolk has also featured prominently in his music, most notably in Castle on the Hill, which was inspired by his teenage years in and around Framlingham.
His continued presence and support for the area have helped ensure both Framlingham and the surrounding part of Suffolk remain closely associated with the singer.
What are Ed Sheeran's biggest hits?
Sheeran has become one of the world's best-selling music artists, with some of his best-known songs including Shape of You, Perfect, Thinking Out Loud, The A Team, Castle on the Hill and Lego House.
His albums +, ×, ÷, No.6 Collaborations Project, = and − all achieved major chart success, while he subsequently released Autumn Variations in 2023 and Play in 2025.
Biggest controversy
Sheeran faced criticism in September 2026 after Macklemore was removed as a support act from his Loop Tour following pro-Palestinian remarks made on stage.
Sheeran said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour's promoter rather than by him.
Several other supporting performers later withdrew from tour dates in solidarity with Macklemore.
Sheeran subsequently addressed the fallout during a concert in Philadelphia, where he apologised for making mistakes, condemned the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and described the suffering in Gaza as catastrophic.
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