ABBAWORLD sets sights on Melbourne

The interactive ABBAWORLD exhibition devoted to the Swedish pop group and backed by the band is set to move on to Melbourne's Federation Square following its London run, announced organizers February 22. Tickets go on sale in March for the Melbourne exhibit, which is set to begin in June 2010.

ABBAWORLD - which is in London through March 26 - includes music, footage, images, and memorabilia from the personal collections of the band members. A wide array of interactive activities include chances for fans to get up on stage with 3D holograms of the band, take an ABBA quiz, join a sing-and-dance-along, and see themselves in an ABBA video. Guests have their photos taken for printing on ABBA album covers, posters, and pictures, and all of the interactive components are recorded on visitors' "smart tickets" for future viewing and downloading at www.abbaworld.com.

One item of memorabilia may be added to the exhibit for the Melbourne opening: Promoters have posted a $10,000 reward for a missing jumpsuit worn by Agnetha Fältskog during the band's 1977 Australian tour. The suit apparently went missing after having been given to an airline staff member.

Organizers say they expect to bring ABBAWORLD to multiple cities and invite fans to sign up for updates at abbaworld.com.

Founded in 1970, the Swedish super group ABBA - Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Faltskog - has sold 375 million albums worldwide, making it the second best-selling band in history after The Beatles.

A ticket onsale time/date has yet to be announced; Join a waitlist at  http://www.ticketek.com.au/abbaworld/ for updates.