Thanks to Ray for this report …

Hundreds of people attended this event that offered a wide range of the activities all free to the public. Things started off a little damp for setting up but the weather improved making it great afternoon.

The pictures are from the Abingdon Vineyard stand that offered the Smoothie Bike, Sumo Wrestling, Splat the Rat and other similar sideshow games. We managed to get the local PCSO’s on the Smoothie Bike but not into the Sumo suits! Many of the kids from the Youth Club that the church has run for nearly 10 years helped to set up and enjoyed the day. Another attraction was the motor cycle group who let the kids sit the bikes and have the odd rev of the engines.

This was the third successful year for the event on South Abingdon that really doesn’t see too much activity compared with the rest of the town. The event is organised and run by the Oxfordshire Play Association who do a fantastic job in Play work training and providing events like this.

Bath Street, Abingdon town centre – Saturday 8 July: 10:00 – 15:00
This weekend you will find:
Vintage stalls
Artisan craft stalls
Activities for kids
Live music
Sizzling street food
Vintage and classic cars in the Marketplace

For more information visit http://www.rural-events.co.uk/abingdon.php

John Mason School has taken on a whole new venture this year – a production of Henry Purcell’s 1689 opera, Dido and Aeneas. The dedicated cast of 20 students has been working hard since the spring to bring you Purcell’s wonderful story of Dido.

It tells the tale of the Queen of Carthage, Dido, and the Trojan prince, Aeneas. When Aeneas and his crew become shipwrecked in Carthage, he and the Queen fall in love. The path of true love does not run smoothly as some witches plot Dido’s destruction.

The beautiful music will be performed by JMS musicians, and performances will be in the Amey Theatre at Abingdon school on 12th and 13th July.

Tickets are £4 / £3 and are available from Students Services at John Mason School or by calling 01235 524664.

On the Market Place on Saturday, there was a sponsored cycle ride with 16 static cycles raising funds for local charity Against Breast Cancer.

The Friends of Abingdon Community Hospital had had a good morning and were just packing up when I walked by.

Also on at the weekend was the Carswell School Fete and the Exbourne Road Street Party. They were all sat down for their Sunday lunch when I cycled by.