ABBA: One Week in Brighton Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
ABBA: One Week in Brighton
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
28 March to 4 August 2024
“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.”
Images courtesy of Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.