Our Way 1
COLLABORATIONS VINJETT of Newham, Hackney, Tower
Hamlets, and Waltham Forest. 42% of the total positive impact, worth £73.7 million in GVA, was felt in these areas, according to the report. ABBA Voyage executive producer, Michael Bolingbroke, said: “The presence of ABBA Voyage is felt in a way that will be enduring. Our challenge will be to ensure that its effects are long lasting.” Most of the local income came from visitors paying for accommodation, food and drink, transport and shopping (88% of all spending was made outside the arena). ABBA Voyage has supported more than 5,000 jobs in London according to the report, including those directly employed at the venue and in other sectors that rely on spending by visitors. IN TERMS OF social value pro-social activities, the greatest benefits have been work opportunities and job quality, although other factors include well-being, work/life balance, education and skills, civic engagement and more. ABBA’s Benny Andersson made it clear from the outset that the project and Oceanbird’s involvement in it have always been about more than profits. “I believe we must be at the forefront of what music and entertainment can be with ABBA Voyage, and it’s extremely pleasing to be able to see it all happen with Oceanbird, who are as keen on sustainability as we are,” he said at the announcement of the partnership. THE PROJECT HAS delivered in more ways than one, according to London mayor Sadiq Khan: “The success of ABBA Voyage shows how London is the music capital of the world,” he said. “I’m 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.” Under the agreement, Oceanbird is the THIS RELATIONSHIP IS SO UNIQUE. KIND AND FAMILIAR – JUST LIKE ABBA. Ludvig Andersson Producer, ABBA Voyage exclusive logistics provider for ABBA Voyage, in addition to providing support and consultation around sustainability issues. Oceanbird has the option to name future vessels after ABBA songs, while at the ABBA Arena in East London, the Lounge section is named “The Oceanbird Lounge”, giving further exposure for the groundbreaking concept. FURTHER RIPPLES ON THE WATER ABBA Voyage are planning more initiatives to benefit the local area, including: Calmer Concerts: an evening with accessibility for neurodiverse and autistic audiences. Provisions are made across the building to ensure that those with sensory processing needs can enjoy the concert whilst feeling comfortable and safe, including extra trained staff on hand, reduced arena capacity and chill out zones around the venue. 800 schoolchildren will be at an educational workshop at the ABBA Arena during the summer months. Collaboration with ELOP, a lesbian and gay mental health charity based in East London, for Pride month. Sign-language shows: ticket holders receive a seat in a booth with the best view of the interpreter (very popular event, all dates for the rest of the year are sold out). I’M PROUD THAT CITY HALL WAS ABLE TO HELP ABBA BRING THIS PIONEERING SHOW TO EAST LONDON. Sadiq Khan Mayor, London “We see more and more how similar our values are and that we have a very good exchange of knowledge in this collaboration,” says Richard Jeppsson, SVP Wind Powered Projects at Wallenius Lines. In terms of their mutual aligning of values, Oceanbird could hardly have chosen a more successful and suitable partner. “This relationship is so unique. Kind and familiar – just like ABBA,” concludes Ludvig Andersson, Producer ABBA Voyage. OUR WAY 1/2024 23