27 June 2025
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Critically acclaimed musician gets the festival started as he, along with other festivalgoers, head to Glastonbury.
Festivalgoers on their way to Glastonbury, who took the 12:35pm from London’s Paddington on Thursday, June 26th, were treated to an unexpected secret act — a surprise takeover and live acoustic set from acclaimed artist Sam Ryder, who was onboard a Glastonbury train service, making his way to the festival ahead of his weekend performance, guitar in hand!
Sam’s journey to Glastonbury was part of the ongoing ‘I came by train’ campaign supported by Trainline, encouraging travellers to choose the train as a low-carbon, joyful way to get to major summer events like Glastonbury.
Sam surprised unsuspecting passengers by picking up the conductor’s mic and becoming their conductor for the journey, making cheerful and cheeky announcements, and then launching into a high-energy performance as the train rolled through the countryside.
Sam Ryder said: "The energy on that train was unreal. ‘I came by train’ is all about doing something good for the planet — and having a great time doing it.”
The surprise gig follows the unveiling of the ‘Train Ryder’ train at London Paddington on Monday, which saw Sam step out of a carriage as the latest “climate hero” in the campaign — a movement that celebrates low-carbon choices and urges festivalgoers to rethink their travel habits. The ‘Train Ryder’ train, signed by Sam himself, will be in service throughout the summer.
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