Destination Just for Us UK

A Trip to Birmingham to see Ed Sheeran at the Barclaycard Arena

Posted on
May 2, 2017

My husband isn’t really the romantic type, but every now and then he does something to surprise me.
For my 40th birthday it was a hot air balloon flight but other than the occasional meal out we have not done anything as a couple forΒ quite some time.
Back at the end of January I dropped as many hints as is humanly possible for him to book tickets to see Ed Sheeran as I was working on the release date, but, like many disappointed fans he told me that he just couldn’t get through.
Fast forward a week and he randomly phoned me from work and asked me to check a date on the calendar for him – 28th April, and there it was written in bold, we were going to see Ed Sheeran and he had been playing me all along.
As the date approached, excitement levels grew and grew. We arranged a babysitter for the kids, booked the Jury’s Inn across the road from the Barclaycard Arena and started counting down the days.
We left home fairly early as Birmingham is a three-hour journey and hit quite a bit of traffic heading into Birmingham, so arrived later than planned but managed to check into the hotel and get a spot of dinner at the Handmade Burger Co, which was delicious.
Handmade Burger Co
Once we had finished our meal we headed over to the Barclaycard Arena and were surprised about how quickly we managed to get in. Hubby bought me a sweatshirt and himself a t-shirt before heading inside the arena where we caught the last couple of songs from Ryan McMullan. Following him was Anne-Marie, who has the most infectious laugh and entertained us with some of the new songs from her album as well as favourites Alarm, Rock-a-bye and Ciao Adios.
Anne-Marie
There was a 20 minute interval before Ed Sheeran was due on stage and we watched as the arena gradually filled up. The roar when he came on stage literally lifted the roof.
Ed Sheeran
He opened with Castle on the Hill and positively encouraged everyone to sing along, requesting that should all be hoarse the next day.
Ed Sheeran
IΒ have seen a fair few concerts in my time, most where bands fill the stage and Take That who really put on a show, but this has to be my favourite ever.
Ed Sheeran
The set featured a backdrop of screens, lights and projectors which not only beamed images of him but also amazing computer graphics that matched his songs. It looked a bit like the inside of the Tardis!
Ed Sheeran
The set list included lots of new material from his Divide album as well as some of the old favourites like The A-Team, Don’t and Thinking Out Loud.
Ed Sheeran
In the middle of the set he also performed Feeling Good which was amazing.
Ed Sheeran
The thing that got me the most was his sheer energy. He was bounding around the stage, jumping on and off the blocks but his voice and guitar playing were both faultless throughout.

Like most bands, Ed left the stage after singing ‘Sing’, but returned for an encore and launched into Shape of You and an amazing rendition of ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’.
Ed Sheeran
Once the concert had finished we headed back to the hotel, which was a short five-minute walk from the venue and enjoyed a drink in the bar before heading upstairs.
Jury's Inn
Both Hubby and I commented that we need to know who supplies the mattresses and pillow for Jury’s Inn, as it is the comfiest hotel bed we have ever slept in, even if we did have to leave early as he had to go to work the next afternoon, so I didn’t get to explore Birmingham.
My only disappointment with the hotel was the breakfast the next day as it was over-cooked and a bit dry, most unusual for the hotel chain and my claim to fame for the day was that we were sat opposite Chico. Thankfully Hubby resisted the urge to ask him for the time!
Have you been to a pop concert before, which has been your favourite?

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24 Comments
  1. Reply

    Laura

    May 2, 2017

    Ed Sheeran is definitely on my list of people to see! My list of people watched has definitely gone over the 1000 mark. Too many gigs and festivals to count.

    • Reply

      Kara

      May 2, 2017

      He was at Camp Bestival the first year we went, I think he needs a revisit!!

  2. Reply

    Sonia

    May 2, 2017

    Oh how awesome I would love to go and see Ed live! That bed does look rather comfy and that burger looks amazing! Thanks for linking up to #ThePlacesWeWillGoLinky xx

  3. Reply

    Sandeep Sandhu

    May 2, 2017

    Oh wow, you are so so lucky! I love Ed Sheeran (though I don’t think there’s anyone on earth who doesn’t love him!) I wish I’d tried to get tickets now, but by the sounds of it, people are saying they were really hard to get hold of. Glad you had an amazing time πŸ™‚

  4. Reply

    Sarah Bailey

    May 2, 2017

    Oh wow it sounds like you had an amazing time seeing Ed Sheeran and how good does that burger look as well!

  5. Reply

    Louisa

    May 2, 2017

    What a fantastic surprise for your husband to spring on you! It sounds like a wonderful concert, you lucky thing!!

  6. Reply

    Jen Walshaw

    May 3, 2017

    Ed is amazing – he has so much stage presence. There is something magical about live music. it really is good for the soul. Also who is Chicco?

  7. Reply

    Emma

    May 3, 2017

    Oh my goodness! That is so amazing, I’d love to go and see Ed Sheeran! I’m glad you had a lovely time!

  8. Reply

    Kate Williams

    May 3, 2017

    Oh what a lovely surprise! I haven’t been to a gig in years (last one was probably Seth Lakeman?) but I used to go to a lot when I was younger.

  9. Reply

    Jenni

    May 3, 2017

    I am so jealous! My sister recently got tickets for us to see Ed but she decided to sell them for double the price which makes me angry! I want to see him!

  10. Reply

    Clair

    May 3, 2017

    Ahhh Ed! I am SO jealous!

  11. Reply

    Deborah Nicholas

    May 3, 2017

    oh wow that looks amazing, there arent many people i would love to see live but Ed is one of them!

  12. Reply

    Sophie's Nursery

    May 3, 2017

    Looks like you had an amazing time! You should come back and visit Brum if you get the chance, there’s tons to see and do! x

  13. Reply

    Fashion and Style Police

    May 4, 2017

    I can see you had a great time. I always love the beddings at hotels.

  14. Reply

    Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs

    May 4, 2017

    A few of my friends went too! And they had the best time. I really like listening to a bit of Ed.
    My favourite concert was Pink πŸ™‚

  15. Reply

    Newcastle Family Life

    May 4, 2017

    What a lovely surprise, I am a tad jealous you got to see Ed Sheeran though. It sounds like a great concert, The A-Team is probably still one of my favourite songs of his. Your hotel room and meal look lovely, you totally should have let your hubby ask Chicco what time is it haha xx

  16. Reply

    Musings of a tired mummy...zzz...

    May 4, 2017

    Looks like you have and amazing time. He looks a little lonely on stage πŸ™ but I like what you said about his energy. He seems like a really nice person. Burger looked good πŸ™‚

  17. Reply

    Lindsey

    May 5, 2017

    You had me at Ed Sheeran. The boy can do no wrong in my eyes and its great you guys got to see him.

  18. Reply

    Ana De- Jesus

    May 5, 2017

    What an amazing husband I would love to see Ed Sheeran in concert, I bet he is even better live! Glad you had a good time x

  19. Reply

    Mandi - Big Family Little Adventures

    May 5, 2017

    Sounds like a great time was had, the burger looks fantastic, and there is nothing like a comfy bed when in a hotel. The concert sounds brilliant, I haven’t been to one since Take That reformed in 2006!!

  20. Reply

    Linh B

    May 7, 2017

    Wow! Honestly, I just know Ed Sheeran after I listen to the song named ”Shape of you” but I’m in love with his song. So exciting that you can see him in the concert! Thanks for sharing with us <3

  21. Reply

    Suzy Mccullough

    May 7, 2017

    What fun and what a treat. Those screens look amazing. I do like him buy hubby doesn’t. It’s been ages since I’ve been to an ‘adult’ concert. Shame about the breakfast

  22. Reply

    Kerry norris

    May 8, 2017

    Well done to hubby for fooling you. Great surprise. The set looked fab x

  23. Reply

    Anosa

    May 10, 2017

    Awww what a lovely husband you got there! I have not yet seen Ed Sherman and I attended my first concert ever this year in Birmingham too and loved it.

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KARA GUPPY
Bournemouth

Are we nearly there yet? is a new online blog run by me, Kara Guppy, and is named as such thanks to my daughter Eliza who always asks that very question when we are less than 5 minutes up the road heading off on our adventures. You may know me from my other family blog chelseamamma.co.uk