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.

Plastic Free July

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Members of Abingdon Cuts Plastic, part of Abingdon Carbon Cutters, were in the Market Place this Friday encouraging people to take part in Plastic Free July by making a simple pledge to reduce their use of single-use plastics.

Visitors were invited to choose one small change to make. Suggestions included carrying a reusable water bottle or coffee cup, buying fruit and vegetables loose rather than wrapped in plastic, or swapping cling film for reusable containers.

Other ideas included trying shampoo bars, choosing paper-wrapped toilet rolls, using refill stations for household cleaning products and switching to plastic-free tea bags or loose tea leaves.

The group highlighted that household cleaners such as washing-up liquid, laundry liquid and toilet cleaner can be refilled locally at the refill station at Oxford Wood Recycling.

The aim is to reduce plastic waste and keep unnecessary plastic out of rivers, seas and the wider environment. If you look at the campaign website ( https://abingdoncarboncutters.org.uk/what/abingdon-cuts-plastic/ ) you will see it was first launched in 2018, thanks to Anne Smart, and they are giving it a new push. There is an up to date 2026 Plastics leaflet under the campaign website.

Flags Disappear from Saxton Road and Marcham Road

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I cycled up Saxton Road today and noticed that all the flags had been removed from the lamp posts. Later, I saw that the flags had also gone from around the Marcham Road roundabouts.

The removals may be linked to reports that the group responsible for putting up the flags had agreed to stop displaying St George’s and Union Jack flags in Oxfordshire. The council has now arranged for the remaining flags to be taken down.

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.