Category Archives: Events

Abingdon Church Twinning Quiz with DNAPQ

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Abingdon’s Church Twinning Group hosted a quiz night at the Conduit Centre, part of Trinity Church. Ten teams participated in the event, which raised funds to support the upcoming visits from guests from the twin towns.

Next year, 2025, will be the groups 25th anniversary since Jenny Goode established the movement to connect Abingdon’s churches with churches in the twin towns in Italy, France, Belgium, and Germany. The group will welcome visitors from the twin towns churches again next year.

The quiz was expertly hosted by Richard Kirby, a familiar face to many as the enthusiastic organiser of the popular “Definitely Not a Pub Quiz” (DNAPQ) events for Abingdon Rotary Club. With a large screen displaying film clips and visual questions, Richard kept the audience engaged and entertained.

During covid, Richard ran monthly, free zoom online versions of DNAPQ for the community. Richard is hosting a FREE online Christmas quiz on Wednesday, December 18th. Opens at 7:20 pm for a 7:30 pm start. Register your team by December 11th via email to dnapquiz@gmail.com with a team name. You can also join an existing team (mention this in your email).


One raffle prize at the quiz was a box of chocolates.

In which twin town are Guylain chocolates made?

Abingdon’s Christmas Extravaganza – 2024

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The day began with the Bath Street Christmas Market, featuring crafts, charity stalls, foods, and gifts. Meanwhile, in the Bath Street Performing Area, the Abbey Brass Band added to the atmosphere by playing Christmas Carols.

On the Market Place stage, there were performances from the Abingdon Dance & Fitness Studio, the Marion Flanagan School of Irish Dance, the Amanda Alder Dance Academy, the Strawberry Fayre Majorettes, and the Abingdon Rock Choir.

The Community Shop at 24 Bury Street, run by Girlguiding Abingdon, provided a space for Christmas crafts.

At noon, the parade marched through Abingdon’s town centre led by the Oxford Caledonian Pipe & Drum Band. The parade also contained the other performing groups (mentioned above),

the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers,

The Mayor (Councillor Gabby Barody) and Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council,

and Father Christmas thanks to Abingdon Lions. He went on to sit in his grotto where there was a long queue to see him.

It was a mild and sometimes sunny day but Acreedo Tattoos provided a little snow with the help of a machine.

There was more snow and a reindeer at The Book Store. Next Saturday they have a book signing with Pam Ayres and her book ‘Doggedly Onward: A Life in Poems.’

As the sun set, the crowd watched FREE 4 ALL.

At some time before 6:00 PM the lights were switched-on. I wasn’t there for the actual switch on but got there soon after. I expect Duncan Brown, the MC, did the usual count down 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 and everybody cheered.

FREE 4 ALL then played a lot of well know Christmas pop songs.

The Extravaganza was organised by the Abingdon Events Partnership.

Forthcoming Christmas Fair, Rock Music & Arts and Crafts in Abingdon

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St Michael & All Angels’ Church annual Christmas Fair will be on Saturday, 9 November, from 10 am to 2 pm. There will be a mixture of craft and gift stalls, a raffle with prizes, and items like cakes, bottles, books, plants, and bric-a-brac. There will be music, activities for children, and refreshments. Proceeds go to church funds and Flexicare (a sitting service for families with children with disabilities).

There will be a charity concert at the Northcourt Music Venue (Abingdon United) on Friday, 22 November 2024, from 7:00 PM to Midnight, supporting SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide). The live performances are by Oxfordshire bands: Hatchee, The Ramblers, and Hard On Ya Ears. Tickets are £10 from https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/66203

Artwork by a group of Abingdon artists will be at St Nicolas’ Church, Abingdon for two days. There will be art from Margaret Horton, Emma Williams, Claire Cross, and glass artist Chris Eccles, along with prints, cards, and jewellery. This is in addition to Cards for Good Causes that is in the church anyway.

What’s On: Art, Craft, Theater, and Fireworks

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Discover the latest works from dozens of Abingdon Artists (including my wife) at the Abingdon Artists’ Autumn Exhibition (includes a range of original art and cards, and live demonstrations).

Browse the handmade crafts at the Abingdon Traditional Craft Fair in the Abbey Buildings (with 69 artisans).

There will be Ukrainian arts and crafts at St Ethelwold’s House.

Join the Abingdon Operatic Society for a performance of “Guys and Dolls” at the Amey Theatre.

There are three public firework displays being advertised around town. The Nags Head also has an event with a light show and fireworks on November 1st.

The clocks will go back in the UK on 27 October 2024 at 2am
Half Term is 28 October – 1 November.
Halloween is Thursday, 31 October 2024.