The music experience has provided educational support for local schools since its opening, and the new initiatives focus on creating pathways for young people into creative industries.
The long-term initiative has been developed in collaboration with London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), the corporation responsible for the Queen Elizabeth Park where the custom-built ABBA Arena is based.
The expanded programme will include a mentoring scheme and apprenticeships, building on the educational work ABBA Voyage and LLDC have delivered as part of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s Talent Pathways programme since the venue opened in 2022.
“We hope this programme helps inspire young people to be curious about the world of performing arts and what they can achieve in the future.”
ABBA (Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad)
Currently, the programme draws from the four East London boroughs neighbouring ABBA Voyage (Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham and Waltham Forest). More than 8,500 of young people from these areas have already engaged in the programme through school concerts, careers workshops, skills development programmes and employment opportunities.
ABBA Voyage education initiatives
Existing initiatives include twice-yearly school concerts for state primary and secondary schools in the four neighbouring boroughs, Summer and Autumn Schools to provide pupils aged 15-17 with practical entertainment industry insights, and the East Careers Week workshops.
Ticketing schemes are also available to provide young people with subsidised tickets for live music experiences. These initiatives are part of ABBA Voyage and LLDC’s commitment to local employment, with at least 50% of employees living in the surrounding area.
New initiatives launching from 2026 include a fully sponsored Autumn School programme, a new mentoring scheme connecting young people with creative professionals across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and the introduction of apprenticeship opportunities within live events and technical production.
On the launch of the expanded programme, ABBA said: “Music has an incredible ability to stimulate creativity and confidence in young people.
“We hope this programme helps inspire young people to be curious about the world of performing arts and what they can achieve in the future. We feel privileged that ABBA Voyage can play a part in that journey.”
Long-term impact
The enhanced range of initiatives have been designed to create opportunities for East London’s diverse young community, improving access to creative careers and employment, and supporting local education.
Craig Hartenstine, group CEO for ABBA Voyage added: “Since ABBA Voyage opened in East London, we’ve been committed to creating meaningful opportunities for the communities around us.
“This programme is about much more than introducing young people to the creative industries. It’s about helping them build the skills and confidence that can lead to real opportunities in the future.
“We’re proud of what has already been achieved alongside our partners, and excited to deepen that impact through new mentoring, training and employment pathways in the years ahead.”
ABBA Voyage is a unique live music experience that uses cutting edge technology to bring ABBA back to the stage. Audiences experience the ‘ABBAtars’ performing the band’s timeless hits alongside a live band.
Schools outside of the four local boroughs can still book trips to ABBA Voyage, benefiting from discounted dancefloor tickets (minimum age is 14 years) on all performances except Saturdays.
Find out more about education at ABBA Voyage at: abbavoyage.com/education.
