ABBA Voyage | Schools Concert 2026

On Wednesday 3 June 2026, we collaborated with ABBA Voyage to host a Schools Concert for Primary, Secondary, SEND Specialist Schools and Alternative Provisions, with tickets at just £10.

These dedicated matinees give young people the opportunity to experience high-quality live performance – often for the very first time – sharing the moment with their peers and sparking a lifelong passion for the arts. In line with ABBA Voyage‘s community mission, priority was given to schools from the arena’s four local boroughs: Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.

As an incredible bonus, this unique matinee included a post-show sing-a-long and surprise guest appearances from Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad themselves!

The impact of the day extended far beyond entertainment. The event achieved a 100% satisfaction rate among teachers, with 95% stating it exceeded their expectations. Furthermore, the concert successfully reached a diverse demographic, marking the first time 38% of these young people had ever experienced a live concert or music event.

Fueling the Next Generation of Creative Talent
This special matinee also marked the official launch of ABBA Voyage’s expanded, long-term Education Programme. Developed in partnership with the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), this brilliant initiative is designed to create direct pathways into the creative and production industries for young people across East London. By offering immersive digital concert experiences alongside exclusive, behind-the-scenes insights into the show’s cutting-edge motion-capture and lighting technology, the programme aims to widen access and engagement for underrepresented communities. We are incredibly proud that this Schools Concert served as the launchpad for such a vital initiative. Find out more about the ABBA Voyage Education Programme here.

Key Demographics & Reach:

• 38.3% average Pupil Premium percentage across attending schools (national average is 28%)
• 50% of the pupils that attended have English as an Additional Language (EAL)
• 73% of the pupils that attended were from a Global Majority background
• 29% of the pupils that attended have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Teacher Testimonials
Feedback highlighted the unique power of these schools-only events, with educators reporting that witnessing their students dance and confidently step out of their shells was nothing short of “life-affirming”:

“Experiences like these are the reason I became a teacher! It felt like being part of a moment in history! I watch Eurovision because of ABBA, and I was so happy they played the clip! Thank you for making this possible at such an affordable price. We took 90 children, and 3 only asked to go to the toilet during the 100 minutes. That is a testament to how much they enjoyed it. I have seen children dance and come out of their shells like never before.”

“Being in a space which has been completely given over to young people is so liberating. They were welcoming, took up space and belonged there. No prepping students to be quiet, asking them not to react. This was a loud, free and accessible space where we could all just have the best time, it felt joyous, liberating!”

“It was actually very emotional standing back and watching the pure enjoyment of all the children/young people and school staff across the arena – non-stop laughter, pure enjoyment and smiles! How special to be able to have an occasion to engage with our students in such a relaxed and musical fuelled afternoon of singing and dancing! I imagine it must have been very overwhelming (and awe inspiring) for the 2 ABBA members (what a treat) to see so many young people still singing and enjoying their music – the whole arena was buzzing🤩🕺🏻💃🏻”

Student Feedback
We were overwhelmed by the joyous responses from the young people, proving just how vital access to live music and performance is:

“I thought ABBA Voyage was magical because of the lights, the voices and the amazing atmosphere. The special effects were incredible and made the performers look so realistic. It was an unforgettable experience that I will remember for a long time.”

“It was so much fun because it felt like we went into a portal to go back in time.”

“BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE! The ABBA Voyage was great! What’s better than non-stop dancing and singing? My favourite bit was at the end when they did all the best ones (apart from Mamma Mia which was in the middle). Frank and myself had the time of our lives. “Dancing Queen, young & sweet, only 17!” I met Frida and Benny. They waved to me!”

Watch our video to hear the incredible pre-show excitement inside the arena:

The overwhelming praise from both teachers and students proves that this impactful day went far beyond entertainment; it granted thousands of young people access to a world-class experience they otherwise would not have had.

A huge thank you to the entire ABBA Voyage team for working alongside us to create such an uplifting, memorable experience.

Donate today to help ensure every child, regardless of background, has the chance to experience the transformative power of live theatre and open doors for the next generation.

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 Video: Eleni Cashell