Ed Sheeran enthusiasts heading to Optus Stadium in Perth this weekend are in for a treat that goes beyond the music, with a specially curated British-inspired menu set to enhance their concert experience. The global pop sensation is launching the Australian leg of his Loop Tour with back-to-back performances on Saturday and Sunday, promising a full immersion into his homeland's culture.
A Taste of Britain at the Stadium
Concertgoers with an appetite can indulge in The Sheeran, a unique culinary creation designed to pay homage to the singer's roots. This dish features a plate-sized Yorkshire pudding wrap generously filled with sliced roast beef, creamy mash potato, and rich gravy, offering a hearty and authentic British flavour. Priced at $25, it will be available at various locations within the venue, including Pop up 101, Pop up East, and South floor bars.
This themed food offering follows a trend seen at other major events, such as AC/DC's concerts in December last year, which featured items like the 'Hells Bells fish taco' and 'TNT Burger'. It adds an extra layer of excitement for fans looking to make the most of their night out.
Record-Breaking Attendance Expected
Frontier Touring, the promoter behind the shows, anticipates massive crowds for each of Ed Sheeran's performances. They project upwards of 55,000 attendees per concert, totalling around 110,000 over the weekend. This builds on Sheeran's existing record in Western Australia, where he drew a staggering 73,092 fans to Optus Stadium on March 12, 2023, during his Mathematics Tour, marking the highest ticketed event in the state's history.
Despite the impressive numbers, this year's setup differs from his previous tour. In 2023, Sheeran utilised an in-the-round stage that provided a 360-degree view for the audience, a configuration he will not be repeating this time. Sources indicate that the decision to host two separate shows instead of one mega performance reflects an evolution in his stage design rather than a decline in popularity.
Support Acts and Tour Details
Ed Sheeran, aged 34, will be joined by a talented lineup of supporting artists, including Australian acts Vance Joy and Mia Wray, as well as the Irish supergroup BIIRD. Construction for the local stage began on Wednesday, although the singer has yet to make a public appearance in Perth ahead of the weekend.
Following his busy schedule in Western Australia, Sheeran will continue his Australian tour with three shows each in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, before concluding with a single performance in Adelaide on March 5. This extensive tour underscores his enduring appeal and the high demand for live music experiences across the country.
As fans prepare to flock to Optus Stadium, the combination of British-themed food, record-breaking crowds, and stellar performances promises to make this weekend an unforgettable highlight in Perth's entertainment calendar.