The world’s first international silent disco took place across 10 European main stations demanding a night train network for the continent. People danced to music in their pyjamas at stations from Lisbon to Copenhagen on the evening of October 25th 2024 as part of the Trans-Europe Pyjama Party.
The activists were supporting international networks Stay Grounded and Back on Track as well as local groups such as Flight Free UK, ATERRA, and Alternatiba. Their demand was clear: that European countries, institutions and rail operators must urgently establish a European night train network.
A professional DJ provided a selection of house music along with tracks from across Europe that just made you want to move your feet. People took to stations in Berlin, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Erfurt, Gijon, Hamburg, Lisbon, London, Nantes, Stuttgart, and Zurich and also took part in Southampton.
To convince more people to choose the train rather than the plane we need more affordable ticket prices and better rail service, night trains and long-distance trains are a key component of this. Those taking part were asking for more services across Europe, and for certain regulations to be changed in order to make this easier. Commenting on the benefit of night trains for people and planet, Juri Maier chairman of Back-on-Track Germany e.V. said: “What could be better for travellers than travelling comfortably overnight, from one city centre to another, while producing 28 times fewer greenhouse gases than flying?“.
Take a look at photos from this fun, musical event!
Lisbon
Photo credit: Carolina Sarsfield
A dog even joined the party in Lisbon…
Photo credit: Carolina Sarsfield
Berlin
Barcelona
Copenhagen
Erfurt
London
Gijon
Nantes
Zürich
