Category Archives: Events

The Oddballs are Back in Abingdon

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Seeing The Mystery Machine parked outside the Co-op made me realise that the Oddballs are back in Abingdon.
The Oddball rally is held every August at Abingdon Rugby Club, attracting lots of people with scooters, motorbikes and campervans. Many camp at the site over the long weekend, which runs from Thursday.
Each year has a different theme, and this year it was Day of the Dead, the Mexican festival celebrating and remembering those who have died.
There is usually plenty of music, with live ska, punk and alternative bands performing in the music tent. The rally also raises money for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Paint Abingdon Pink 2026

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Abingdon’s Market Place was full of colour today for the annual ‘Paint Abingdon Pink’ event, organised in support of the Abingdon-based charity Against Breast Cancer. First launched in 2009, this event raises both awareness and funds for breast cancer research. This year’s event had a lively atmosphere, colourful stalls, a full programme of entertainment and lots of memorable characters,

starting with the Chair of Trustees of Against Breast Cancer – recognisable in his pink hat and bow tie, with a clip board to make sure things happened in time and order.

The Grim Dark Gaming Society, based at Paws and Play, also helped promote and organise the event. Here is one of their members with the bubble machine.

The first act I saw was belly dancing.

One vehicle caught my eye. At first glance I thought it was a police car for children to explore, but it turned out to be a look a like car from the film ‘Hot Fuzz’, with look a like actors.

There were also visits from other galaxies, like Darth Vader

and Chewbacca, seen here with two earthlings collecting money in pink buckets.

There were Mr Hemmings’ Traditional Abingdon Morris Dancers who have their day of dance around the town centre next Saturday.

Ashnah Tribal Dancers brought colour and energy with their performance.

Local favourites, The Undercovers, were on stage for an hour with a set of cover songs.

But the day was about much more than fun and entertainment. Fiona, who runs the Compassionate Café, read a series of poems reflecting the experiences of women living with breast cancer, those who had survived, and those who had not. It was a reminder of why everyone had come together: to support a charity dedicated to funding research that will help more people survive in the future.

What’s On in Abingdon – Early July

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July gets off to a busy start in Abingdon, with community fairs, charity events, a book launch, exhibitions and a butchers will open.

Friday 3 July sees the start of Plastic Free July activities in the town, with a market stall in the Market Place from 10am to 1pm promoting ways to reduce single-use plastics through the themes of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

On Saturday 4 July, Paint Abingdon Pink returns to the Market Place from 10am until 3pm, with entertainment, food and activities raising funds for Against Breast Cancer. Entry is free.

Also on Saturday afternoon, Thameside Primary School Summer Fair takes place from 12 noon until 3pm, with games, stalls, a raffle, tombola, sweets, prizes and plenty of family fun.

On Thursday 9 July, local history enthusiasts can attend the launch of “England’s Oldest Town? The Archaeology of Abingdon” by Roger Thomas. The event runs from 7pm to 9pm at St Helen’s Church.

Saturday 11 July is a big day in the town. Brown’s Traditional Butchers will officially open.

Also on 11 July, the South Abingdon Play and Activity Day takes place at Ladygrove Meadow, Drayton Road, from 11am until 3pm. The free event includes activities such as giant bubbles, go-karts, Bright Sparks Science, body zorbing, bike-based games and creative workshops. This event used to take part in Southern Town Parks but since the Vale of White Horse District Council want to charge £500 to arrange the event there, the event will be on Town Council land who do not charge. Or that is what I heard.

At the same time, the Oxfordshire Mind Art Exhibition will be open from 11am until 2pm at Abingdon Hub in The Charter. Visitors can view artwork created by members of Oxfordshire Mind’s art group.

Also starting on 11th July, the UK’s only floating puppet theatre will start their shows which run to 9th August in their converted barge by the open air pool.

Fun in the Park

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Temperatures were down a few degrees after yesterdays high of 35 degrees. In the Abbey Gardens, there was Fun in the Park.

One new feature this year was the collection of barrels, tables and seating provided by Oxford Wood Recycling, giving people more places to sit at Fun in the Park and Music in the Park that followed.

After seeing many people swimming in the River Thames over recent days, it was interesting to meet volunteers from the RNLI, who were promoting water safety and their Float to Live campaign. Their advice for anyone who gets into difficulty in the water is not to thrash about, lean back, relax, control your breathing, and stay afloat until you can get help or reach safety. Above all, however, they advise against swimming in the river or swimming alone.

Another group helping people to enjoy the river safely are the Kingfisher Canoe Club.

There were also many local organisations with activities and information aimed at children and young people.

Meanwhile, on the stage, performers kept people entertained. Pictured here are the K-Pop Superstars. They appeared popular with younger members of the audience.

Later in the day, the music continued at Music in the Park, but having to be at another event, I’m afraid I did not cover that event this year, apart from a picture taken while passing from over the wall.