Rail operator’s travel offer as fans head for Hull to see world-famous band
Coldplay megafans have unveiled a Speed of Sound train in advance of the music giants performing two concerts in Hull. The special service has been launched to celebrate the Hull Trains offer of free travel to journeying fans.
The band, one of the biggest in the world, are performing at Craven Park on Monday and Tuesday, August 18 and 19. The shows are set to be spectacular history-making dates for the city.
Fans with a valid concert ticket will be able to travel for free on selected train services between Hull and Doncaster as they head to the city to see Coldplay perform. They will then be able to catch a bus directly to the east Hull stadium, as transport providers join forces to give customers the best integrated transport experience possible.
To celebrate the band coming to the city, Hull Trains has launched Speed of Sound – a nod to Coldplay’s single of the same name, released 20 years ago. A new eye-catching design inspired by the group can be seen on the side of one of the operator’s sustainable trains, which save over 90 per cent in CO2 compared to driving the same journey.
Coldplay themselves are committed to the “greenest” tour possible with their globe-trotting Music of the Spheres Tour that they are bringing to the city. Hull Trains teamed up with Nation Radio to find the two biggest Coldplay fans in East Yorkshire to unveil the train at a special ceremony at Hull Paragon Station.
Sarah Hird, from Hull, has seen the band three times and she is making the concert in her home city part of her birthday celebrations. Meanwhile, Toni Blanchard, from nearby Beverley, missed out on tickets to see Coldplay this time around and wanted to take part in the launch to still feel part of the celebrations.
The Speed of Sound launch was an impressive spectacle, with 50 talented singers from Hull’s All For One Choir joining to perform the well-known hit, as well as other favourites from the band. Fans will be able to spot the newly-designed train in regular service on the East Coast Mainline, serving destinations including Hull, Doncaster, Selby, Grantham and London King’s Cross.
Louise Mendham, service delivery director at Hull Trains, said: “When we heard the news that Coldplay had decided to perform in our city, we knew this was something really worth celebrating. You can feel the excitement building and we can’t wait to welcome on board plenty of fans who would like to travel sustainably to see their favourite band live.
“I’d like to thank our Coldplay megafans Sarah and Toni for helping us to launch our new Speed of Sound service in style, along with Nation Radio and the talented All For One Choir. It really is an honour to be part of a moment like this for the local community we’ve proudly served for the past 25 years.”
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “Welcoming one of the world’s biggest bands in Coldplay to Hull is something everyone in the city is excited about. Coldplay’s ongoing campaign for sustainability is something the council can relate to and we’re delighted that Hull Trains is also backing this by providing free travel for concert goers as we welcome fans from across the country.”
Dr Diana Taylor, managing director of Future Humber, said: “Hull provides the ideal location to host Coldplay and we are thrilled to welcome everyone for the night of a lifetime. The Music of the Spheres Tour’s ambition as the greenest in history reflects our region’s growing reputation for creativity, connection and world-leading green innovation.
“It’s a chance to share the energy and creativity of Humber and enjoy an atmosphere that will be remembered long after the final song. The way Hull Trains, local partners and residents have embraced the occasion shows the pride we have in this place and the spirit that makes it so remarkable.”
You can find the full terms and conditions for free Coldplay rail travel at Hull Trains.