ABBA Voyage London: 7 disco-tastic reasons you need to book a ticket
You can dance, you can jive, you can have the time of your life!
Celebrating three years since the tour’s official debut on 27 May 2022, ABBA Voyage is an event not to miss for every fan of nostalgia, dancing, and classic pop hits.
Whether you’re a ‘Mamma Mia’-era ABBA listener tuning in for their classic tracks like ‘Waterloo’, ‘Dancing Queen’ or ‘SOS’, or whether you’ve been a die-hard fan of the band for far longer, it is undeniable that ABBA, to some extent, feels incredibly nostalgic.
During the event, there are many things you cannot miss out on – and here is a comprehensive list of them.
1. Photo ops outside the arena
Since phone or camera filming is prohibited once the show starts, fans are encouraged to take photos outside, with many spots outside the arena showcasing the attention to detail that has been put into building it. For best results, try the exit from Pudding Mill Lane DLR station, the ABBA Voyage wall by Entrance A, or inside by the bars!
2. Merchandise stands
From shirts, fans, and lanyards to beach towels – the merch stands around the arena have it all – the choice is yours, and as per ABBA’s words, ‘The Winner Takes It All’! There are stands throughout the Arena where you can purchase keepsakes from the concert. Additionally, in Pudding Mill Lane station, shoppers can visit ABBA Voyage’s own shop, where they are also free to roam.
3. Bars and Food Stands
Catering to vegan and vegetarian diets, as well as supplying both alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks, there are options available to anyone. Getting there beforehand and allowing some time to grab a drink and a light bite before the show was an excellent idea for me personally, and I highly recommend doing the same.
4. The Technology Behind the Show
Though the avatars might not compare to seeing the real ABBA in London in 1979, I was in shock at how real they looked for the entire duration of the show, and how impressive the lighting and the technology behind it were. Combining motion capture technology and computer-generated imagery (CGI), it is awe-inspiring to see how realistic the band members look while dancing, singing, speaking, and even playing instruments, all in accurate 1:1 proportions.
5. The Live Band
Joined by a ten-piece live band, ABBA Voyage consists not only of avatar replays of ABBA from their 1979 London concert, but also a live band assists the four members with the execution and interpretation of their original pop hits, often adding a personal touch to the vocals while maintaining the original melodies. ABBA members themselves shout out the live band during the concert, and there are plenty of opportunities throughout to take a look and appreciate the talent and effort that goes into putting on each ABBA Voyage show, even three years down the line.
6. Dancing, Jiving, Having the time of your life!
Having recently attended the hi-tech concert experience, I can confirm that ABBA’s music still unites all ages, generations down the line – and I have no doubt that their music uniting fans of all ages would undoubtedly make all four of the ABBA members proud to this day. Regardless of your ticket type or seat selection, the atmosphere during the show truly exceeds expectations, and the ambience is brilliant throughout the Arena.
7. Accessibility
With five accessible sections across the arena, wheelchair-accessible and wheelchair-transfer tickets, step-free access into the venue, and the Arena conveniently being built directly opposite the nearest train station, everyone gets a chance to have an equally once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fans with accessibility needs are encouraged to book online or inquire with the venue, but the venue reassures customers that there are options for everyone.
Final thoughts
Having visited the ABBA Museum in the Swedish capital of Stockholm last winter, ABBA Voyage certainly lives up to the legacy created by Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid in the 1970s.
As a long-term fan, I was impressed, surprised, and in awe for the entire duration of the event for its top-notch organisation, technological efforts, and a carefully curated welcoming atmosphere for everyone in attendance.
With its accessible, inclusive, interesting, well-thought-through, and, above all, memorable fun for all needs, ages, and even dietary requirements, ABBA Voyage is an event not to miss in London.
Catch ABBA Voyage at the ABBA Arena in Pudding Mill Lane, E15 2RU.