On the dot, 50 years ago, a quartet of fabulously flared Swedes took to the stage in Torbay and gave the UK its very first taste of ABBA-mania, just months after Waterloo-ing their way to Eurovision glory.
Broadcast on the TV show Seaside Special on Saturday 16 August 1975, ABBA stormed the seaside, dazzling fans outside with Waterloo, before sliding into the tent supplied by Gerry Cottle's Circus to belt out SOS. Lulu was there too – because when ABBA calls, the stars say Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
But wait – there's more more more! 2025 also marks a Super Trooper-sized milestone – the 75th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest being dreamt up right here in the Imperial Hotel, Torquay. Yes, that glittery, occasionally bonkers beacon of pan-European harmony was born out of a post-war brainstorming session involving 23 nations, the European Broadcasting Union, and, presumably, a lot of coffee. Eurovision wasn’t the only idea to emerge – we also got the European Sports Championships and Jeux Sans Frontières (or It’s a Knockout for those who prefer their French translated with a custard pie).
To celebrate this Dancing Queen double whammy of anniversaries, Torbay Communities, in cahoots with Cantina Torquay, is throwing the grooviest bash since platform shoes were last in style: a Silent Disco Spectacular on the former lawn bowls lawn at Abbey Park!
Here's what you need to know, Fernando:
🎧 Silent disco with toe-tapping ABBA and '70s hits
👗 Fancy dress STRONGLY encouraged – think glitter, sequins, and flares that can be seen from space
🏆 Fancy dress competition – may the most outrageous outfit win!
🎉 Fun and games – because we’re all still kids at heart
🍔 Food & drink by the fab folks at Cantina Torquay
💖 Proceeds go to Torbay Communities – so every boogie counts!
🎟️ Just 150 tickets per disco – when they’re gone, they’re gone. Take a Chance – get yours NOW!
👨👩👧👦 Two discos to pick from - our first disco will be open to families & kids, 3-5pm at just £10 per person, and later an 18+, adults-only disco 7-9pm at £15 per person
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just here for the glitter and guilty pleasures, grab your dancing shoes, call your Chiquitita, and prepare for an evening where The Winner Takes It All – and that winner is YOU.
Don’t let this one Slip Through Your Fingers. Join us for a night of nostalgia, naughtiness, and non-stop ABBA fun!
Silent Discos setup provided by Silent Event Hero.
Special thanks to the Community Partnerships from Torquay Town Centre, Torre & Upton, and Cockington, Chelston & Livermead for sponsoring this event.
Also check out other Parties in Torquay, Entertainment events in Torquay.
