“The History book on the shelf…”

Saturday 6 April 1974. Brighton was burning with Eurovision fever, flags from different countries lined the streets, contestants were photographed exploring the town, and excitement was building. ABBA’s eye-catching outfits ensured that people noticed them even before they stepped on stage. Waterloo, their winning song, became the band’s international breakthrough, despite the UK judges giving them “nul points”.

Through photographs, film, memories, and memorabilia, visitors to ABBA One Week in Brighton will relive the excitement of the week that catapulted the band to fame. The exhibition shares personal stories, from the backstage crew and people in the audience, to autograph hunters who rushed to the stage door to meet the Swedish superstars.

“I was defeated, you won the war…”

Stories include tales of the international journalists who enjoyed Brighton’s pubs so much they missed the show, the man blamed for cutting off Terry Wogan’s electricity supply, and the taxi driver ABBA treated to a private performance of the winning song.

“Promise to love you for evermore…”

Exhibits include the drumkit sourced for the band at the last minute that sounded the first beats of Waterloo, the spangly costume that toured the world with the singer inspired to perform by watching the contest on TV as a child, a feather plucked from presenter Katie Boyle’s evening gown, and an autographed viewer score sheet pulled from the pages of the Evening Argus.

Visitors will be encouraged to share memories of when the Eurovision circus came to town, explore their own favourite ABBA moments, and try on some glam fashions.

“So how could I ever refuse…”

Curator, Jody East, says “The 1974 Eurovision Contest was a culturally significant moment and it’s wonderful to collectively celebrate memories of ABBA’s victory and the part Brighton played. We hope visitors will enjoy sharing these stories together.”
Hedley Swain, CEO of Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust, says “We’re looking forward to welcoming ABBA fans of all ages from near and far to mark this important anniversary.”

For more info visit https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/event/abba-one-week-in-brighton/

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NOTES TO EDITORS

Contact helenwadecomms@gmail.com or call 07795 672 107 for media requests.

Press Preview

10.30am-12.30pm, Weds 27 March 2024
You’re invited to join the Brighton Museums team before ABBA One Week in Brighton opens to the public. Participants will be available for interview and you may spot some wide collars, maxi dresses and platform boots. Flares optional!

Please email helenwadecomms@gmail.com to reserve your place.

Images

Further archive photographs licensed for use in covering the exhibition are available on request.

Opening Hours

Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays 10 am-5 pm)

Online

https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/event/abba-one-week-in-brighton/
Twitter / X: @brightonmuseums
Instagram: @brighton_museums
Facebook: RoyalPavilionandMuseums
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Special Anniversary Day Event: ABBA win Eurovision!
12.00-4.00 pm, Sat 6 April 2024

Join us in celebrating ABBA’s historic Eurovision win, exactly 50 years to the day. Dress up and pose on our special ABBA stage, dance along with pop-up performers throughout the afternoon and make ABBA inspired badges and banners.
Free with Brighton Museum admission, members free. All ages.

About Brighton & Hove Museums

Brighton & Hove Museums is a charitable trust responsible for the management of the Royal Pavilion & Museum Trust service in Brighton & Hove.

Formed in October 2020, Brighton & Hove Museums protect and preserve the venues and collections in the service while offering a vibrant and fascinating service to visitors from around the world.

The trust is funded by Arts Council England, Brighton & Hove City Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other charitable organisations and from public donations as well as income from admissions.