The trailblazing ABBA show, which recreates the Swedish popstars with digital technology, has contributed millions to London's economy, producers claim.
ABBA Voyage is a purpose-built 3,000 seat arena in Stratford's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park where avatars of the chart-toppers perform their hits seven times a week.
Created with Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, the first-of-its-kind concert experience opened in May 2022 to rave reviews and has been celebrated as a landmark event in entertainment.
In its first year of operation it drew more than 1 million visitors to the ABBA Arena in Pudding Mill Lane - 20% of which had travelled from outside the UK.
Now, a report into the socio-economic impact of ABBA Voyage's first year estimates it contributed £322.6 million in turnover to the London economy between May 2022 and May 2023.
A healthy 42% of the total, or £131.1 million, was generated in the local boroughs of Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest.
The report compiled by consultancy Sound Diplomacy and social value consultancy RealWorth, says this equals £73.7 million in Gross Value Added to East London's economy alone.
The analysis claims that ABBA Voyage had a "significant and positive economic and social impact" on London and the local area, with both the operation of the venue, and visitors generating ongoing spending on food, transport, shopping, accommodation, and entertainment - equating to £1 of ABBA Voyage’s revenue generating a turnover of £3.12.
In addition to the ticket price, the average local spend per concert-goer was £103. The show has also provided employment for an estimated 5,075 people including venue staff, and restaurant and hotel workers.
Michael Bolingbroke, Chief Executive Officer for ABBA Voyage, said: “The presence of ABBA Voyage is felt in a way that will be enduring. Knowing that in our first full year, the operations of ABBA Voyage has had an economic impact in London of £322 million is extraordinary, and our challenge will be to maintain and grow this number, and to ensure that its effects are long lasting.”
Show producers Svana Gisla and Ludvig Andersson, said: “It was imperative to us and to ABBA, that ABBA Voyage would leave a positive impact on our local community in Stratford and the findings of this report have only surpassed what we could have hoped for.
"We are proud residents of East London and to be able to employ locally, and enhance the local economy is as joyful to us as the concert itself. We fully intend to continue to evolve our education scheme to provide access and opportunities to young people in our area, and hopefully inspire them to choose the creative sector for their future employment.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am so proud that City Hall was able to help ABBA bring this pioneering show to east London, providing huge benefits to both the local area and London's wider economy. It is a powerful example of how culture has a positive impact on our city. The show’s success is testament to the group's enduring appeal and I hope it will continue to delight audiences and help enrich the local economy for years to come."
Lyn Garner, Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “ABBA Voyage has been an amazing success for the area and a vibrant addition to the attractions on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This innovative use of our development land has resulted in one of London’s most popular visitor attractions with a massive impact on the local economy and jobs. There has been great work on education and skills for local children while the huge footfall and improved lighting have helped to improve community safety, too.”
ABBA Voyage is now booking until November 25 2024.
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