LNER Welcomes MOBO Stars Onboard A Special Journey To The Prestigious Awards
18/02/2025
Ahead of this evening’s prestigious MOBO Awards, LNER has welcomed dozens of artists and crew onboard a special service to Newcastle as the city prepares to host the ceremony for the very first time.
Named after The MOBO Group’s trailblazing founder Kanya King CBE, ‘The Kanya King Express’ departed London King’s Cross station at 07:30 this morning, bound for Tyneside. One of the most anticipated events in the music industry, the MOBO Awards celebrates the best of Black music and culture from the UK and beyond.
Some of the biggest names in music warmed up for the awards in style on ‘The Kanya King Express’, with a First Class LNER Dine experience and an extra-special in-carriage DJ set by Kiss Fresh’s Henrie. One final treat was revealed upon arrival at Newcastle Station, with guests treated to a performance by the talented Voices of Virtue Gospel Choir, one of the North East’s leading gospel choirs and accompanying band.
In addition to being the Official Travel Partner of the awards, LNER is also sponsoring one of the most hotly contested awards of the evening, Video of the Year, with names such as Raye and Skepta nominated for their work.
David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, said: “LNER is proud to be the Official Travel Partner of the 2025 MOBO Awards. It is brilliant to see the awards, a highlight of the music calendar, come to Newcastle for the first time. The MOBO Awards is an opportunity for us to celebrate not only incredible music and culture, but also the diverse customers and communities which we serve”
Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of the MOBO Group, said: “I want to thank LNER for making me feel like a pop star! When I heard about ‘The Flying Swiftie’ celebrating Taylor Swift’s first UK gig in Edinburgh, I never imagined I’d have a train named in my honour too. This truly symbolises the journey of MOBO—breaking barriers, celebrating culture, and making history as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of The MOBO Group in 2026. This has been an unforgettable way to kick off what promises to be an incredible night."
The Awards will be live-streamed to a global audience on YouTube at 8pm GMT, with an exclusive BBC One broadcast special airing on 21 February.
