julesr Offline

Abba Concert Day

Abba Voyage Show day out,

The day has finally arrived , Saturday 24th Sept 2022, me and my other half 2 tickets to see the Abba Voyage Concert in London,,, over a year since I was lucky enough to book tickets.

I have spent weeks planning this, taxis booked, train times, meals, concert arrival time, what to wear, etc etc,,, A military operation could not have had more planning time and effort put into it, everything planned to the last minute,

Train arrived at Ipswich station on time, but immediately all my planning is thrown to pot,,, “Engineering works means train will terminate at Colchester, then bus journey to Ingatstone, then another train journey to Stratford” ,,, No need to panic I think, being me I had built in a 2 hour “safety window”.. We should still be fine,,, (I hoped and prayed trying to convince myself),

To be fair, journey went like a dream,,after train, bus, train journey we are in Stratford, London, at about 1pm,, Concert venue is in Pudding Lane,,, A 25 min walk from rail station, or 3 minutes on London Overground LDR line,, no contest,, we went looking for LDR line,
Not sure if you have ever looked for LDR line, but after studying one of those maps at the rail station for 10 mins we decided we need the light blue line, (thank God we are not colour blind). And surprise surprise we got it right,, problem now was “where do I buy ticket?”.. okay , after making myself look about 20 years behind times I realised you do not buy tickets anymore,, you use your contactless debit card,, well no one told me,,, I havent been on a train since 2012!

Now about 1.50pm, concert starts at 3pm,,, we are sat outside the Abba Arena having a drink and I am in Abba Heaven! Everywhere you look people are arriving in hundreds, dressed in the most outrageous Abba costumes, boots, hats,,, blond Agnetha wigs,, huge flared trousers, and that is just the men!
It honestly is one of the most amazing sights I have seen,,, so many Abba fans, not dozens, but thousands, all singing Abba stuff, dancing, comparing outfits,,, this is just mad,, but, but,, I just cannot describe it, i look at those around me,,, men and women, from teenagers to those in their 80’s. I truly have walked into another world and I am loving every second,, trying to hold back tears,, I’m overwhelmed,..

2.30pm, we have spent 30 minutes talking we so many people we have never met before,, atmosphere is just incredible, everywhere are Abba look a-likes, posters, souvenirs, we make our way into the arena, quickly and easily find our seats,,, I’m so happy, we have great seats, great view, show about to start…..

OMG,, 2 hours later,, I cannot put into words the last 120 minutes,, If you have seen this show you will know what I mean, it was just everything I had hoped and dreamed it would be x 1000! I know these were holograms, but,,, no way were they holograms in my head or the heads of 2000 others. I honestly could not tell they were not Abba from 1979 ,, totally incredible.

I will never find the right words,, I have danced in my seat, danced in the aisles, sang at top of voice into the Abba drumsticks I bought outside, Those that know me will never believe that shy me, who never goes anywhere there is crowds, acted like this. It was like being drunk without alcohol, just indescribable!

And the most unforgettable part??? About 2000 totally mad Abba fans, all singing Mama Mia at the tops of their voices, accompanied by 4 the Abba members, all linking arms, hugging strangers, crying tears of happiness,, I just will never ever find the words to describe this feeling,, just, pure out and out happiness and joy! For 120 minutes the real world did not exist, Everyday worries like, utility bills, interest rates, work, health worries, do not exist.

I have made so many new friends, swapped email addresses,, people a few hours ago I had never heard off I have now sang with, danced with, cried with, unashamedly hugged.

Train has arrived back home, it is raining, seems fitting,
Have I dreamt the last few hours? Did I really travel back to 1979?, Did I really sing at the top of my voice in the aisle by my seat?
I check my phone, there is a message from Anja, a 71 year old lady who traveled from Denmark for the concert.. I met her there,we swapped numbers, she saw Abba last in 1977 in Bremen,, we compare notes of our day via text,,..I now have proof, I didn’t dream today's events, they did happen, Anja has confirmed it!

Only 1 thing remains now,, book a repeat trip,, no way is this going to a one off,, I shall tomorrow book for next year,,, and to all who read this,, you just have to do so also,, it rates as one of my top 5 unforgettable days ever,, (after wedding, daughters births and daughters wedding) now where’s my diary?... ohh, maybe a pre christmas visit next time,,, Jx