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.

Temperatures were down a few degrees after yesterdays high of 35 degrees. In the Abbey Gardens, there was Fun in the Park.

One new feature this year was the collection of barrels, tables and seating provided by Oxford Wood Recycling, giving people more places to sit at Fun in the Park and Music in the Park that followed.

After seeing many people swimming in the River Thames over recent days, it was interesting to meet volunteers from the RNLI, who were promoting water safety and their Float to Live campaign. Their advice for anyone who gets into difficulty in the water is not to thrash about, lean back, relax, control your breathing, and stay afloat until you can get help or reach safety. Above all, however, they advise against swimming in the river or swimming alone.

Another group helping people to enjoy the river safely are the Kingfisher Canoe Club.

There were also many local organisations with activities and information aimed at children and young people.

Meanwhile, on the stage, performers kept people entertained. Pictured here are the K-Pop Superstars. They appeared popular with younger members of the audience.

Later in the day, the music continued at Music in the Park, but having to be at another event, I’m afraid I did not cover that event this year, apart from a picture taken while passing from over the wall.

While setting out the A-board and chairs at St Helen’s Church this afternoon, Kevin told me there’s a good concert tonight, part of the Music at the Unicorn at St Helens Church. He said the acoustics in the church are excellent.

Tonight (4th June), St Helen’s hosts True Foxes, an alt-country/Americana cousin duo from Cornwall, with support from sibling duo Painted Sky (Holly and George Brandon). The concert runs from 7pm to 10.30pm.

At the back of the church are posters advertising other forthcoming events in Abingdon and beyond.

On Saturday, 6th June, the Hurst Ensemble presents An Evening of Viennese Musical Genius at St Helen’s Church from 7.30pm, with Mozart and Brahms.

The Unicorn Theatre hosts The Merry Wives of Windsor (Abingdon Edition) on Wednesday, 10th June. Shakespeare’s comedy follows two clever women who join forces to outwit the boastful Sir John Falstaff. This special Abingdon-set production will be the last play at the Unicorn before the theatre closes for its major refurbishment.

On Saturday, 13th June, One Planet Abingdon presents Wear It Out – Sustainable Fashion, celebrating eco-fashion, upcycling and clothing repair as part of Oxfordshire’s Great Big Green Week. Free activities and workshops will run throughout the day, while tickets can be bought for a 2pm fashion show.

Also on 13th June, the Abingdon & District Musical Society (ADMS) performs Joseph Haydn’s The Creation at St Helen’s Church, beginning at 7.30pm.

With half term under way and hot weather forecast, the Splash Pad area in Abbey Meadows received a pressure wash today in preparation for busy days ahead. The open-air pool has not yet reopened, but nearby Hinksey Outdoor Pool is already open for swimmers.

AbiBinIt Community Litter Pick: Marcham Road
Saturday 23rd May, 10am–12pm
At MG Heritage Park on Marcham Road.

AbiBinIt’s latest community litter pick takes place around the Marcham Road area. Litter pickers and equipment will be provided, and newcomers are very welcome. Children should be accompanied by a responsible adult, and suitable clothing and footwear are recommended.

The group says: “If you’ve never litter picked with us then make May your month to change that.”

Abingdon Freewheeling Annual Cycling Festival
Saturday 24th May, 9.30am–12.30pm
Starting from Abingdon Market Place.

Abingdon Freewheeling will be hosting its annual cycling festival, with a range of rides leaving at different times during the morning.

The rides will finish at Loose Cannon Brewing Co. for drinks and food. The festival aims to encourage cycling in the community, and all are welcome. No booking is required, although spaces on rides are limited.

Come for a Bank Holiday Walk
Sunday 25th May, 10am–1pm

A chance to explore Abingdon and the surrounding area on foot, either through one of five guided walks or by following a self-guided trail.

Trail leaflets will be available on the day, with around a dozen different walks covering a range of interests and ages.

(Also the day of the Harwell Feast)