Ed Sheeran fans on the way to the Mt Smart concert 25 March 2018
Ed Sheeran's concerts in Auckland over the weekend drew people from all walks of life for a common purpose, a love of music.
Armed with just his voice, a guitar and a looper pedal the auburn-haired sensation drew people in the tens of thousands to the first two of his six shows across the country.
Many were excited to see Sheeran play live, some had seen him twice, some three times, and for some it was their first time.
All seemed excited but none more than fellow red-head Lily Tongue, 12, who claimed to be his biggest fan.
Thousands flocked to Mt Smart Stadium for the second Ed Sheeran concert on Sunday. Photo / Peter Meecham
"I know almost all of the words to his songs."
She proved it, by quickly belting out one of Sheeran's more lyrically technical verses on the hit song, Sing.
She was hoping to lose her voice at the show and mused if he was to move in next door to her and her family, he could easily find content for new albums just admiring the scenery of the country.
While Tongue and her family had just come across the city for the show, others had travelled further afield.
Ben and Jack Smith as well as Kaitlin Blackwood had commuted from Whakatane for the weekend to catch their first Sheeran show.
Heidi and Jaimee Burchett had travelled north from Wellsford, the lines of people were more than they would normally see in a year, they said.
Ben Smith, 18, Jake Smith, 19, and Kaitlin Blackwood, 17, travelled from Whakatane to see Sheeran in Auckland on Sunday. Photo / Peter Meecham
Sheeran has been busy during his time here and not just entertaining the hordes of crowds that came to see him play.
He paid a visit to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who was unable to make it to any of his shows.
"Couldn't make any of Ed Sheeran's shows while he is here so cheekily suggested he come round for a cuppa and some scones.
"It was a real treat to meet you. And as an added bonus, my scones weren't a complete disaster," She posted to her Instagram on Sunday.
Sheeran's second show of three at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland is tonight before he heads south for another three shows in Dunedin on March 29, 31, and April 1.
He also popped into Eden Park on Friday, meeting both the New Zealand and England teams in their respective dressing rooms during a rain break.
The 27-year-old chart-topping singer-songwriter also met Black Caps captain Kane Williamson.
"It was fantastic to meet him, a humble guy who enjoys his cricket. It was cool for him to come along today and watch a little bit," said Williamson, who is a part-time guitarist.
