There were four good bands playing at Music in the Park. They all worked well with the big audience.
There was an audience of about 5,000 people.
David Pope and Margaret Crick were there. They were the deputy Mayor and Mayor of Abingdon last year. Margaret is now Chair of the Vale of White Horse District Council.
The last band Hope and Glory played a lot of old favourites for anybody who liked Ska music.
The new Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Charlie Birks, thanked all the people who had helped make this event possible, especially the council staff.
The evening ended with Abingdon Town Band who played some songs by Queen, including Bohemian Rhapsody, and then a couple of traditional prom songs.
Then fireworks.
Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory: two great tunes with slightly awkward words.
Jerusalem
The answer to verse 1 is “No”, and the response to verse 2 is likely to be “Fetch them yourself”.
Land of Hope and Glory
“Wider still, and wider shall thy bounds be set/God who made thee mighty make thee mightier yet”. Written at the beginning of the 20th century, this world-view was no longer really possible once the deconstruction of the Empire into the Commonwealth had begun.
I love the tunes; and I guess that’s why everybody sings the songs with such enjoyment – the tunes are brilliant.
Well done all those involved with organising this event and special thanks to the Town Council, although we didn’t actually attend the evening event by all accounts it was a brilliant event, late evening I’ve never seen the town so busy, hundreds if not thousands in the town centre enjoying themselves, brilliant!
Brilliant event, My attendance a last second decision, to purchase the wristbands. With a discount Cinema ticket offer, with purchase.
Abingdon Bands Music of Queen was excellent. I want to break free, and.
really enjoyed Land of Hope and Glory, Music of The Beat, Madness, (Ska/Two Tone whatever it is called now 😉
Heavier Rock of Voodoo Penguins, and mellower of Nevada..
Two verses of National Anthem, which confused some, who are used to singing the 1 verse, alone.
pehaps next year the council will choose abingdon bands
Nevada are an Abingdon Band and obviously so is the Abingdon Town Band.
so 2 out of 5 makes it local bands indeed it does, the other three are not from abingdon
It was so enjoyable just to see so many people relaxing and enjoying the event throughout the evening.
Unfortunately during the playing of the National Anthem,God save the Queen,many did not stand,and perhaps sing,to show their respect.
Children were allowed to continue running around,men were lounging on the grass and groups continued with their chattering.
I am of the older generation.How times have changed!
Perhaps we could do better next year.
Hi was just wondering if anyone could update mr on the abbey house.. i believe it was the justice family seat in the 1800’s .. i hv just found out one of my early relatives married a justice girl and would love to visit and see where the family came from.. hoping it has not been pulled down as what a waste of history if it has…
Thank you polly (melbourne australia)
Can you help last pic of Fun in the Parks showing us in Abingdon Community Choir is no longer there can you resurrect it fo4 us as wantedto send to friends.
Thanks so much
Hi Bwinn. It is still there. See previous post. I did a separate one for music and fun in the parks.
@mona gain
We put the call out for local bands every year and consider all the responses.
We try and put together a bill that has a reasonable amount of variety but which will also be fairly familiar songs.
We also look at videos of performances and are careful to choose bands that look strong enough to perform well on a big outdoor stage. (In the past there have been a couple of bands that would be great in a pub but didn’t cut it in the field.)
As far as ‘local’ is concerned, we try and choose bands with a local link, but that doesn’t mean they have to based in Abingdon itself. This year’s bands are all from around Oxfordshire.
Personally I thought it was a great line up this year. Plenty of rock (my favourite) and a fantastic ska set from Hope & Glory to finish.