Forget feeling on cloud nine as people in the city were "up in space, man" as Sam Ryder performed a surprise gig. 

Ryder shot to worldwide fame earlier this year as the UK entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, where his impressive vocals and catchy hit Space Man led him to be voted the runner-up. 

The singer, who also has more than 13 million followers on TikTok, announced on his Instagram account just before 1pm on Friday that he was in Norwich to busk and asked for suggestions of where to perform. 

Eastern Daily Press: Sam Ryder began by busking outside Wagamama. Sam Ryder began by busking outside Wagamama. (Image: Denise Bradley)

At 1.15pm, the 33-year-old appeared outside Wagamama at Chantry Place sporting a mint green duffle coat and a tie-dye t-shirt. 

He then started singing, accompanied by his guitarist Louis Nelson, beginning with Queen's Radio Ga Ga as crowds began to gather.

Shortly after, he was asked to move location by security at the shopping centre, so he took the crowd with him and pitched up at The Forum. 

Eastern Daily Press: Sam Ryder at The Forum Norwich. Sam Ryder at The Forum Norwich. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Speaking to us on the way to the new location about his Eurovision success, Ryder said: "It was wicked to be there in the first place as I am a big fan and it was great to experience what it is like behind the TV screens.

"It is bittersweet that Ukraine [who won the contest] couldn't host it but we have the opportunity to throw the biggest party for them."

The surprise set was to promote his debut album There's Nothing But Space, Man! which comes out on December 9 and he is also heading to The Waterfront for a ticketed launch show on December 13.

Eastern Daily Press: Sam Ryder poses for a selfie with Sophie Hicks. Sam Ryder poses for a selfie with Sophie Hicks. (Image: Denise Bradley)

At The Forum an even bigger crowd gathered with people asking for selfies between songs, including Spaceman and Somebody.

The organiser of The Norwich Global Village Market, which is running at The Forum all weekend, also took the opportunity to get Sam to plug the event.

Eastern Daily Press: Sam Ryder promoting his upcoming debut album in Norwich. Sam Ryder promoting his upcoming debut album in Norwich. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Olwen Cowling, from Norwich, who watched with her daughter, said: "It was absolutely magical and it made me cry.

"We are very big Eurovision fans and miraculously I had finished work and my daughter was up from university in London."