Abbamania comes to Brighton and Hove next week - 30 years after the famous four shot to global stardom in the Eurovision Song Contest at the Dome.

Abbafest, a three-day festival in honour of the Swedish supergroup, is expected to attract up to 20,000 fans from all over the world.

Organiser David Courtney said: "We have invited all four members. We know Agnetha is virtually a recluse and does not attend events but we are hoping Bjrn, Benny or Anni-Frid will attend."

Abbafest starts with an Abba race night at Brighton racecourse on Thursday, June 10, followed by concerts on the Friday and Saturday nights.

There will also be an exhibition of the original costumes worn by band members at the Dome during the 1974 contest.

The event is being filmed by ITV and fans are being invited to turn up in glam-rock clothes.

There will be film shows of Abba history and reruns of the clips from the day the then-unknown group shot from nowhere to seize the Eurovision crown.

It was the first rock song to win the contest and proved too much for some. BBC Radio Brighton banned it because it was not in line with their easy listening style.

Pop impresario Mr Courtney said: "I was in the Dome on the night with Leo Sayer. I remember laughing when we saw Abba at first. They were dressed so over the top. But when they went on stage they were just magic."

Abba's victory led to a string of hits including Dancing Queen, The Name Of The Game and Knowing Me, Knowing You. But the group split up acrimoniously ten years later, bowing out with Thank You For The Music.

Dedicated fans have kept Abba memories alive and an Abba memorabilia industry is thriving.

Abbafest will also include a record and memorabilia fair in the Brighton Centre.

Anders Hanser, the official Abba photographer from 1978 onwards, is travelling from Stockholm with his work.

On June 11, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Abba - The Symphony at the Dome while at Event 2 there will be an Abbafest 2004 celebration party.

A special showing of a new version of the film Abba: The Movie will take place the next day at the Duke of York's Cinema at 11am.

June 12 will feature a concert by the Abba tribute band Bjrn Again, Showaddywaddy and The Rubettes at the Brighton Centre.

Abbafest will wind up on June 13 with a family fun day at Brighton Marina.

Tickets for the concerts are available by calling 01273 709709 or 0870 9009100 or from www.abbafest.com