Abingdon was given an unexpected display this evening when a procession of brightly lit Honda Goldwing motorcycles made its way through the town centre.  We first became aware of them when we heard a succession of motorcycle horns outside in West St Helen Street. Stepping outside, we saw the procession of brightly lit motorcycles.

They continued round the one way system before gathering at the Market Place.

There they were welcomed by the Mayor of Abingdon, Councillor Andrew Skinner.

The riders are taking part in the ‘British Treffen‘, the annual international gathering of the Goldwing Owners Club of Great Britain, which is being held in Abingdon this weekend. The event is based at the rugby club, with 240 motorcycles and 400 riders and passengers.

‘Treffen’ is German for a gathering or meeting. Goldwing clubs across Europe hold their own Treffen events, with British riders travelling to European gatherings and overseas riders coming to the British Treffen which moves to a different location each year.

There will be another motorcycle parade in Abingdon on Saturday at around 5pm, for 20 minutes, when the overseas riders will parade through the town carrying European flags to show where they come from, and the British riders will follow the Union Jack.

But for tonight it was ‘Welcome to the Honda Goldwing Light Parade Abingdon 2026.’

Faces look out from the window of Abingdon Drama Club on Marcham Road.

They make you stop and wonder what plays they belong to. Soon, Big Brother could be joining them with his all-seeing eye.

Abingdon Drama Club will perform George Orwell’s 1984 at All Saints Church, Sutton Courtenay, from 28–31 October. The production will transform the church into the world of Big Brother.

Written just after the end of WWII in 1948, Orwell’s warning about the manipulation of truth still feels relevant: “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.”

With the Unicorn Theatre being revamped, Abingdon Drama Club has moved to an unusual but very fitting setting for 1984. Nearby in the churchyard lies Eric Blair, better known by his pen name George Orwell.

His gravestone is simple and partly hidden by rose bushes. On top are coins and small tokens left by visitors from different countries. Other mementoes have been placed in a box behind the gravestone to keep it looking tidy.

Behind Blair’s grave is the slate-grey gravestone of David Astor. Following Blair’s wishes, Astor arranged for him to be buried in an English parish churchyard rather than anywhere grand.

Looking at the town’s noticeboards for things to do in August? There is not much in the way of drama or concerts since it is the summer holidays. But here are a few things I spotted.

Steve Moodey is once again opening his garden to visitors at 53 Springfield Drive, Abingdon, OX14 1JF. To see his collection of tropical and rare plants, go between 10am and 5pm on Saturday, 22nd August. Entry is by donation to charity, with a plant sale and refreshments also available.

Abingdon Baptist Church is holding a fun morning on Saturday, 15th August.

Bridge House sometimes holds events to invite the community in, and there’s one on 14th August. There will be music, stalls and entertainment from a circus act.

Make Music Abingdon has acts lined up at the Loose Cannon Taproom on 20th August.

This isn’t actually an event, but a chance to submit your pictures of the wild spaces around Abingsdon and see them in an exhibition at Abingdon County Hall Museum.

But with temperatures rising again this week, Cakes at St Eths has been put back from 12th August to 1st September.

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.