Planning on celebrating the 50th anniversary of ABBA winning the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton? We've put together a suggested 'Waterloo Weekender' itinerary for the anniversary weekend but we've also included ideas of ways to celebrate at any time of year.
Friday 5th April / Day One
Arrive in Brighton and check-in to your accommodation.
Follow in the footsteps of ABBA themselves and stay at the Grand Hotel, just as they did in 1974 when they claimed their Eurovision win. Flounce down the sweeping spiral staircase in your Eurovision finery, or enjoy a delicious cocktail while looking out to sea, this iconic Victorian hotel is guaranteed to make you feel like a Super Trouper.
Alternatively, the Hotel Pelirocco is a haven for any music lover, one of Brighton’s most quirky hotels, Pelirocco offers musically themed rooms dedicated to Dolly Parton, David Bowie, and the Who, a stay here is perfect for any music aficionado.
Brighton boasts flavours from all corners of the globe, so whether you’re looking for Swedish cuisine or something further afield, there are plenty of opportunities to tickle your tastebuds when you stay in the city. Fancy a tipple? Our friends at Arcobaleno offer ABBA-themed cocktails so you can unwind over a Fernando (Or Two!)
For your evening's entertainment head to the Brighton Centre for Arrival from Sweden with ABBA Original Musicians – The Music of ABBA featuring original ABBA Musicians and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The press, the audience and the ABBA fan club all agree this is the closest you will ever come to seeing the real ABBA live on stage.
Alternative Suggestion
If you're visiting on a different date then you may still catch some music at the Brighton Centre or head to one of our grassroots venues to see if you can catch the next big thing. See our Music Venues page for a full list but we suggest checking out The Green Door Store, The Old Market, Komedia or The Hope & Ruin.
Saturday 6th April / Day Two
Daytime
Start the day with a visit to Brighton Museum to see "ABBA: One Week in Brighton" where you can delve into the history of the band’s triumphant week in the city. Walk, dance, and sing through ABBA’s visit to Brighton through photographs, film, memories, and memorabilia and discover more about the week that catapulted the band to fame. After exploring the exhibition join the pop-up celebrations - dress up and pose as the band as well as making badges and banners inspired by the super troupers. There will also be an afternoon of ABBA-inspired puppet-making fun at Brighton Dome.
Alternative Suggestion
Head to the North Laine and enjoy some vintage shopping. Whether you're looking 70s pineapples or turntables, jumpers or jumpsuits you'll find it in this retro-lovers paradise. Why not head to the vintage fashion stores and see if you can replicate the iconic look of the band? It may be easier to try and imitate ABBA, the winners of Eurovision, but if you fancy a challenge then don't forget the interval act that year were The Wombles so perhasp you'll find a tartan shawl like Great Uncle Bulgaria's or Orinoco's red scarf?
📖 Fun Fact: Did you know The Wombles books which inspired the TV series and the pop group were written by Elisabeth Bereford who went to school in Brighton?
Once you've bought your new vintage fashion why not get changed and do your very own photo shoot in the Pavilion Gardens? There are several photos of the iconic ABBA in the gardens and The Wombles interval act was performed in the Pavilion Gardens so this the perfect opportunity to recreate this historic moment.
Evening
My, my! It’s time for Waterloo to be performed again at Brighton Dome. The same stage. The same date. The same iconic songs you know and love. Brighton's Gay Men's Chorus will back a variety of past Eurovision winners performing a mixture of ABBA hits and other classics from the Eurovision songbook.
If you prefer to get creative then head to Pinot & Picasso for a special ABBA-themed edition of their Neon Nights event. They’ll play all the dance hits to get you in the mood to get arty while you party and create your own dance floor. There will be no judges, so feel free to sing until you lose your voice.
Alternative Suggestion:
If you're not visiting over the anniversary weekend then don't worry as you can still say “Thank you for the music” with a Karaoke session at Lucky Voice. What better tribute to the Swedish superstars than heading to the popular Karaoke bar, Lucky Voice with some friends, and belting out some of the band’s signature tunes? Of course, ‘Waterloo’ should be at the top of your song choices!
Sunday 7th April / Day Three
Before starting your journey home round off your trip with some Scandi shopping. Of course, Brighton has a shop dedicated to all things Scandinavian! Oh So Swedish is open all year round and offers a “Smörgåsbord” of handmade products of their own designs as well as from artists in Sweden. Enjoy some Swedish delicacies while you take in the view of Brighton’s breathtaking seafront.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Planning on visiting the amazing Brighton Dome?...If so, click here to get the latest Brighton Dome information direct from the official Brighton tourist information site!
Oh So Swedish make and sell limited editions of handmade arts & crafts created by individuals from all corners of Sweden, inspired by the Nordic nature & traditions, sometimes mixed with influences of the Swedish modern urban society.
