Celebrating 50 yrs of ABBA

We are in London to see ABBA Voyage for the second time, 50 years since the group won the Eurovision Song Concert, more about that later.

We are staying at the Ibis Styles in Southwark near Borough Market, we even have parking next to the hotel which enabled us to have an interesting drive into the city last night. 

This morning we have visited Borough Market, a fascinating place, seeing more areas than I’ve ever seen before. Southwark Cathedral, Bankside and much more. Back to the hotel at lunchtime for me to have a short rest before we headed out at 1pm to Pudding Lane and the ABBA venue. We’d bought some sandwiches etc and sat in the sunshine on the site to eat them and people watch as the crowds gathered. Many ladies were dressed in the outfits of the times. It’s amazing to think that the venue accommodates about 3000 people, it is so well managed that entry and security etc is so calm and fun. 

The show is awesome. B and I were up the back of the tiered seating last time and I was able to stand up, sing, dance about quite easily without inconveniencing any one. R & S were down in the dancing area by the stage. This time we were seated close to the dancing area and saw the lighting display and everything from a different angle. 

Such happy, involved people. Being able to see them made me realise how much the music meant to individuals and what memories it was reviving. They were mostly aged mid 40’s plus… up to 80’s. 

I could remember watching them win the Eurovision on the TV. R who was sitting next to me wasn’t even born, not until the following year. Each new ABBA record released was bought, played and danced to with enthusiasm over the years. We still have some of them. 

We were back to the hotel before 6pm, so R & S did a recce and found a nice Italian restaurant locally. Pizzas were ordered ……they were enormous and delicious. 

I’ve added some pics from the day in extras.

A magic day !!!!!