The Only ABBA Festival in the World Returns to Trundle
After a one-year hiatus, the Trundle ABBA Festival made a triumphant return on Saturday, drawing fans from across Australia to the small New South Wales town.
A Global Celebration in Rural NSW
The annual celebration of the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA began in 2012 and is billed as the only festival of its kind in the world. "It's nowhere else in the world. This is the only ABBA festival in the world and it's here in Trundle," stated festival coordinator Gary Crowley.
Record Attempts and Romance
The event featured a lively program of activities, including:
- A world record attempt for the most people dancing to "Dancing Queen" in the main street
- Group wedding vow renewals for 20 couples, adding a touch of romance to the festivities
A Cross-Country Draw
Crowley noted that attendees traveled from far and wide, with visitors arriving from Western Australia, Darwin, Adelaide, Townsville, and Melbourne. "It provides a mini harvest for the local economy," he explained, noting that the showground was fully booked and local businesses were benefiting from the influx of visitors.
Community-Led Revival
The festival faced significant financial difficulties and was cancelled in 2024 after Parkes Shire Council terminated its funding. However, a local community group stepped in to revive the event. Crowley stated that the group contacted him to restart the festival, which previously attracted up to 6,000 attendees in its peak years.
"It's nowhere else in the world. This is the only ABBA festival in the world and it's here in Trundle."
— Gary Crowley, Festival Coordinator