Sunderland does Abba as we celebrate 50 years since Waterloo

By Chris Cordner
Published 5th Apr 2024, 14:05 BST
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50 years of Abba celebrated in Sunderland

Gimme gimme gimme your memories of these Sunderland scenes - all showing Wearside people celebrating Abba.

We have Echo archive photos from 2020, 2010, 2009 and 2000.

Golden memories

They show Sunderland’s love for the Swedish superstars who first hit the headlines when their song Waterloo won the Eurovision Song Contest 50 years ago today.

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In the year 2000, two sisters from Seaburn brought in the New Year by dressing as the Abba girls. The two Wearside dancing queens were Nichol Gilstin, 24, and Jill Spence, 23.

Nichol Gilstin, 24, and Jill Spence, 23 both from Seaburn, brought in the New Year in 2000 dressed as the girls from Abba.Nichol Gilstin, 24, and Jill Spence, 23 both from Seaburn, brought in the New Year in 2000 dressed as the girls from Abba.
Nichol Gilstin, 24, and Jill Spence, 23 both from Seaburn, brought in the New Year in 2000 dressed as the girls from Abba.

Nine years later, members of the Starset Theatre Stage School were on stage at the Empire when they performed as part of Abba Mania.

Starset Theatre members ready to perform in Abba Mania in 2009.Starset Theatre members ready to perform in Abba Mania in 2009.
Starset Theatre members ready to perform in Abba Mania in 2009.

Who do you recognise?

Showstopping in Grindon

Moving on to 2010 when it was showtime in Grindon.

Holy Family's Church show-stopper of a performance called Super Trooper in 2010.Holy Family's Church show-stopper of a performance called Super Trooper in 2010.
Holy Family's Church show-stopper of a performance called Super Trooper in 2010.

The Holy Family Church staged a musical called Super Troopers which was based around Abba’s hits.

Then it’s on to 2020 when staff members Abbey Brown (left) and Alison Smith dressed as the Abba girls.

They were taking part in the Education and Services for People with Autism Glastonbury Festival.

Tell us if you remember these scenes by emailing [email protected]

Related topics:Sunderland

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