It’s 50 years since Swedish pop royalty ABBA sang their way to Eurovision victory with Waterloo at Brighton Dome on 6 April 1974.
To mark the historic event, and say ‘Thank you for the music’, the city will be celebrating in style with a weekend of exciting events between 4 – 7 April.
From ABBA-themed shows and exhibitions to bus rides and even puppet making sessions, fans of all ages can join in the fun and re-live the day ABBA came to Brighton and Eurovision history was made!
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the Culture, Heritage, Sports, Tourism and Economic Development Committee, said: “ABBA may have been singing about Waterloo, but its Brighton that will always be remembered as the city where the Swedish super group shot to stardom.
“We are incredibly proud of our Eurovision connections and to be offering a weekend of celebrations Bjorn your wildest dreams!
“Book your ABBA celebration now, take a chance and don’t let the opportunity slip through your fingers!”
Events include:
4 April, 12pm: A plaque will be unveiled at Brighton Dome to mark the 50th anniversary.
The unveiling coincides with the recent reopening of Brighton Dome’s Grade I and Grade II listed Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre following a six-year refurbishment. An interactive digital timeline will allow visitors to explore Brighton Dome’s rich heritage, including the ABBA win, and a new dressing room has been named Waterloo.
28 March – 4 August: ABBA exhibition at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. Delve into the history of the band’s triumph at the Dome with this special exhibition. Through photographs, film, memories and memorabilia, discover more about the week that catapulted the band to fame.
5 April: Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA comes to the Brighton Centre, featuring original ABBA musicians and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Possibly the closest you will ever come to seeing the real ABBA live on stage.
5 – 6 April: Knowing Me, Knowing You: Family Puppet Making Fun at Brighton Dome.
Have fun making tabletop puppets inspired by ABBA and take part in a mass dance-athon with family and friends at the end of the session.
6 April: GOLD, ABBA The 50th Anniversary Eurovision Win.
It’s time for Waterloo to be performed again at Brighton Dome. The same stage – same date – same iconic songs. Charlotte Perrelli, Sweden’s 1999 Eurovision winner, hosts an evening of ABBA favourites and Eurovision hits with performers including the UK’s 1997 winner Katrina (of Katrina and the Waves), 2000 entrant Nicki French, and Irish winner Linda Martin, backed by Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus.
6 April: Dynamite Waterloo: Dancing in the Street – meet outside the Dome at 1pm. Join Bugaloo Stu in a flashmob dance to Waterloo. This will be followed by a 45 minute silent disco, playing all the biggest ABBA hits, leading revellers on a tour around the perimeter of Brighton Dome, winding through the Pavilion Gardens and ending at the doors of the Dome Studio Theatre at 2pm. The party will continue indoors with Dynamite Waterloo, until 5pm (ticket needed).
6 April: Board the ABBA-themed drag bus. If you’re looking for an experience like no other, then join this fabulous prosecco and food-filled ABBA-themed sightseeing trip across Brighton!
6 April: Neon Nights: Boogie at Pinot & Picasso
Pinot & Picasso bring the disco to the studio with a Eurovision and ABBA-inspired Neon Nights artwork, Boogie.
25 – 26 May: Voulez Vous – Immersive painting at Atelier by the Sea
Attendees are encouraged to dress up, or just wear something ABBAesque and learn how to paint whilst listening to ABBA songs. Sessions 10.30am – 4.30pm.
20 – 21 September: Eurovizcon at the Brighton Centre is the UK’s largest celebration of Eurovision fun.
The Brighton Centre will play host to this brand new, unique, two-day event, 50 years after the contest was held at Brighton itself.
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