The weekend’s Ed Sheeran concerts were the biggest in terms of audience to ever have been staged in Cyprus, with 45,000 guests attending from 42 different countries.
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, Helen Katsamba of organiser Moonlight Show Productions said Larnaca was packed full of people wanting to see the concert.
“All the hotels were full,” she said, adding that people were even camping on the beach near the venue to be able to go to the concert.
“Concert goers queued from 6am to attend,” she said.
Katsamba said that event staff were giving out water bottles to people queuing for the show to ensure that they remained hydrated in Cyprus’ heat.
Sheeran himself, she said, had requested to come to Cyprus as part of his Mathematics tour.
And, she said the star had loved his experience on the island. During the show he said it was his second time in Cyprus, having come as a child with his family.
He ended the show by saying “see you next year”.
During his trip to the island, Sheeran also visited British Forces Cyprus at the Dhekelia base.
He visited UK troops and their families stationed there, singing at an intimate venue to around 200 people at an event organised by the British Forces Foundation (BFF).
“For Ed to give his time and exceptional talent for four hours between two shows and very busy schedule was an extraordinary gesture that made an incredible impact – he’s the best,” said director of British forces in Cyprus Mark Cann.
Sheeran spent Sunday afternoon speaking with soldiers, signing autographs, taking selfies and sharing stories and this was followed by the intimate acoustic performance held at Dhekelia rugby pitch.
During the show, Sheeran played some of his most-loved songs for an audience of active-duty service members and their families.
“It was an absolute privilege to host Ed and have him here spending time with the fantastic people who make up British Forces Cyprus,” said Commanding Officer 1Rifles, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Oliver.
“These men and women sacrifice a lot, and we’re hugely grateful to Ed and the British Forces Foundation team for making the time to visit British Forces Cyprus.”
Many soldiers and families expressed their excitement about the opportunity of meeting Sheeran, with one stating, “I can’t believe it. It means a lot that someone like him would take time to come and support us. We love you Ed.”
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