Broadcaster Nick Grimshaw has unveiled Great Western Railway's ‘Shania Train', promoting travel on its services to this summer's concerts by Queen of Country Pop, Shania Twain.
Shania will be performing at the Glastonbury Festival (Sunday 30 June), Chepstow Racecourse (Friday 5 July) and BST Hyde Park (Sunday 7 July).
When the broadcaster, know as ‘Grimmy', found out that a Swiss train had been named ‘Shania Train', he suggested pinching the idea for a British train running to Castle Cary, the festival's local station.
Great Western Railway (GWR) is encouraging festival-goers to travel by train. As it has done in previous years, the operator is providing additional train services during the festival.
Shania spoke about the train in Switzerland which Grimmy interviewed her on the BBC Sounds podcast Sidetracked with Annie and Nick., which he co-presents with Annie Macmanus.
As part of the BBC's cover of the Glastonbury Festival across its platforms, the podcast episode previewed Shania's Sunday teatime ‘Legend slot', which has previously hosted stars including Dolly Parton.
Great Western Railway (GWR) heard about the suggestion from social media, and quickly responded with a design for a vinyl with pink leopard print in tribute to the Canadian singer-songwriter, who is famous for hits including That Don't Impress Me Much; Man! I Feel Like A Woman; and If You're Not in It for Love (I'm Outta Here).
Grimshaw was very much impressed, and attended the unveiling of the train at London Paddington.
Passengers watched as he carefully peeled back protective sheeting to reveal ‘Shania Train' on the side of Intercity Express Train 802109.
“It is actually on. The Shania Train is going to exist in the UK. I cannot believe that my brain has created an actual train. You could be going to Glastonbury riding the Shania Train. So giddy up, let's go girls.”
Nick Grimshaw
“As soon as we heard about ‘Shania Train' it impressed us very much! Shania Twain is a country music icon and this is a great way to celebrate her forthcoming appearances at Glastonbury, Chepstow Racecourse and BST Hyde Park.
“It has been brilliant to work with the team at Sidetracked and help bring this gem of an idea to reality. We'll be carrying thousands of music goers this year and we hope ‘Shania Train' turns a few heads as fans flock to what promises to be another unforgettable summer.”
GWR Sales & Marketing Director, Amanda Burns
Information on trains to Glastonbury Festival, including luggage and shuttle buses from the station, is available online in GWR's guide.
