Mounted police were outside Poundland today as a reassuring gesture after yesterday’s fatal stabbing.
The Street Pastors were also there for anybody who wanted to talk.
Close by, for the next week in the Community Free Space, there is a Christmas reflective space with different areas to explore the Christmas Story.
The Christmas Extravaganza,organised by Abingdon on Thames Chamber of Commerce, took place in Abingdon today. There were stalls all along Bath Street, and entertainment on the Market Place.
The day really got going with the Parade. It included, among other community groups, the 11th Abingdon Rainbows,
and Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers.
The parade was led by the Oxford Calidonian Pipes & Drums, and included Paddington Bear,
and Father Christmas, who spent the rest of the day meeting children.
I did hear that there had been snow among the fine rain at the end of the parade, but later saw a snow machine at Breckon and Breckon, so it could have been that.
Elsewhere in Abingdon town centre, there was a Fairtrade and Craft Fair in the warmth of St Ethelwolds house; and entertainment and a jumble sale at St Nicolas Church.
At the end of the afternoon the crowds gathered in the Market Place, despite the rain, to listen to the Community Choir then watch fire jugglers.
The Christmas Lights were turned on at 5:30pm, followed by some amazing fireworks.
P.S. Thanks to Steve for sending me the picture of one of the entertainers.
There were Black Friday sales in some shops in Abingdon today, particularly the clothes shops. The town felt busier than usual at Friday lunchtime. However more people probably took part in the online sales. That will mean more trucks bringing goods to people in the days ahead.
Saturday sees the Christmas Extravaganza, a real chance to buy locally. The parade is at 12:00. Lights get switched on at 5:30. There is lots more going on, including a Fairtrade and Craft Fair at St Ethlewolds.
It was colder today. There was even a little snow early on. The traffic was moving very slow this morning through town. One lady told me it took an hour to get from Caldecott Road to Trinity Fair.
Pandora, the new jewelery shop, has opened in time for Christmas.
Contractors have been busy putting up Christmas Lights, and decorating the tree, in time for next weekend’s Christmas extravaganza.
The contractors are cutting it much finer than previous years.
Paddington Bear will be coming for the Christmas Extravaganza, next Saturday, and there are pictures of his marmalade sandwiches in shop windows. (Find as many as you can before 28th November to get the chance to join Paddington and switch on the lights. Entry form from the Chamber of Commerce Extravaganza page .)