Sam Ryder thrills students with impromptu street performance

The Eurovision star performed to a crowd of passers-by on King’s Parade

Ryder posed for photos with students after the performanceEleanor Mann

by Bella Shorrock

This article is 3 years old

Wednesday December 14 2022, 10:23am

Everyone knows that King’s Parade can be good for people watching — but few expected to witness a surprise street concert by Eurovision star Sam Ryder on Friday night (2/10).

Ryder posted a video on his Instagram on Friday afternoon inviting fans to come and join him, and started busking at around 5.30pm. He performed his iconic Eurovision single, Space Man, to which the crowd shone phone torches and sang along, among other hits.

Varsity’s own Ella Mann was at the performance. She told us: “It was a really good performance. His voice is insane, such range. My friend texted me on a group chat that it was happening and I ran over with my friend, who’s a massive Eurovision fan. We sprinted over.”

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Speaking to a local paper ahead of the set, Ryder said: “I love Cambridge, it feels quite charming. Super Christmassy and lovely and such a great vibe … It’s fantastic to be here and I can’t wait to sing my head off outside some gorgeous architecture.”

Ryder rose to stardom during the 2020 lockdown, and finished second representing the UK at Eurovision earlier this year.

The singer is busking in cities across the UK ahead of the release of his debut album, There’s Nothing But Space, Man!, and King’s Parade was his latest venue.

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