Dunedin is seeing red, but not in anger: the city is buzzing ahead of the first concert of pop superstar Ed Sheeran.
About 37,000 people are expected to pack into Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight to mark the beginning of what expected to be the biggest event in the city since the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The celebratory atmosphere of the weekend was kicked off by 1100 ukulele-playing children singing Ed Sheeran's hit song Photograph. Hundreds of people there lined the Octagon in hope of catching a glimpse of Sheeran.
Anyone walking around with red hair or wearing a baseball cap turned heads, but the Englishman did not show.
Meanwhile, Dunedin police called in officers from outside the area to assist as crowds crammed into the central city and congestion began building on the roads.
The anticipation of Sheeran's presence was palpable and Dunedin mayor Dave Cull was not immune.
"There's a great vibe," he said.
"Things are really building up, there's a wonderful positive atmosphere, more and more visitors coming in and they are clearly delighted."
Dave Cull is going along to tonight's concert, but the real die-hard fans have already gathered at the gates of the stadium - some as early as 5pm yesterday and some from overseas.
Sydney-sider Jasmine McLeish was among the hardy crew who camped out overnight. Tonight will mark her fourth Sheeran concert in New Zealand and her 16th on the tour.
"He's just got really great music and the fact that he and the guitar and the loop pedal can bring so many people into one place just blows my mind," she said.
"It's really great to watch every night."
Despite the travel and repetition of seeing the British pop star, his shows would never get old, she said.
"I don't think I would ever get tired of seeing it. He's so, so great live. So good."
Others gathered at the gates with more mischievous intentions, such as friends Germaine Srhoy, Jackie Griffin and Xara Robertson.
Ms Srhoy said she was wearing two bras and hoped to be within touching distance of Sheeran.
The group planned to lose their voices and, potentially, make an offering to Ed.
As Sheeran takes the stage about 9pm tonight, Dunedin might just boil over, but the man himself will certainly be welcome.
