At Abingdon Baptist Church on Ock Street, the Scouts held a jumble sale to raise funds. Tables were filled with bric-a-brac, books, clothes, and more.
On the Market Place, One Planet Abingdon were offering free vegan food and handing out recipes and leaflets. They were raising awareness of the environmental benefits of plant-based diets, highlighting the lower resource use and reduced methane emissions compared to meat production.
Under the County Hall, volunteers were offering free bike checks and minor repairs — encouraging greener travel by helping people keep their bikes roadworthy.
Overhead, the town flag above the County Hall flew at half-mast. It was a mark of respect for the Oxfordshire firefighters who lost their lives tackling the recent business park blaze near Bicester.
Category Archives: Events
Abingdon to Mark 80th Anniversary of VE Day in May and VJ Day in August
The war left its mark on the town.
The Abingdon War Memorial records the names of 56 local men who lost their lives in World War II while serving in the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force. A further 47 are remembered at Abingdon School.
This year’s commemorations — organised by the Abingdon Royal British Legion with support from the Town Council — honour their sacrifice and the service of many others.
Thursday 8 May
09:00 – Town crier’s proclamation from the County Hall roof
12:00 – Wreaths and blue flowers — symbols of peace and appreciation — will be laid at the war memorial
18:30 – Church bells will ring out across Abingdon to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day — the end of World War II in Europe
19:30 – Concert at St Helen’s Church, featuring Abingdon Town Band and members of Abingdon Drama Club
Saturday 10 May
10:00–17:00 – Operation Overlord model railway display, Abingdon Royal British Legion, Spring Road
Sunday 11 May
10:00–15:00 – MG Rally, Abingdon Market Place
10:00–16:00 – Operation Overlord model railway display, Abingdon RBL
12:00–14:00 – Barbecue, Abingdon RBL
Sunday 18 May
14:00–16:30 – VE Commemorative Tea Dance, Preston Road Community Centre
(Live music by ‘Sugar and Spice’; refreshments provided.)
Though VE Day marked the end of war in Europe, conflict continued in the Pacific. Further commemorations will mark Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) in August.
Saturday 16 August
10:30 – Music in the Market Place
14:00 – Fun bun throwing contest (not from the County Hall this time — the aim is distance!), Abingdon Rugby Club, Lambrick Way
Sunday 17 August
14:00–16:30 – VJ Commemorative Tea Dance
This Weekend in Abingdon: Cinema Reopens, Record Breaking Morris Dance, Easter Fun & River Clean-Up
After more than six months away, The Abbey Cinema returns to its main auditorium in the Abbey Hall from Friday 11th April 2025. Their final screening in The Old Magistrates Court took place on 6th April. Now that the RAAC roof repairs are complete, it will soon be back to comfy seats and candle-lit tables. The first film will be Snow White.
On Saturday 12th April, Duncan will be dancing in Abingdon Market Place from 5 in the morning, aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the longest Morris dance — over 11 hours. He’ll be in full Morris dress and bells, supported by dancers from around the area, raising money for The Mayor’s Charities: One Planet Abingdon and the Abingdon & District Volunteer Centre.
Also on Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM, The Nasio Trust is hosting a family-friendly Easter event at the Abbey Buildings. Expect an egg hunt, egg and spoon races, and a game of ‘pin the tail on the bunny’.
Also on Saturday, 10 AM – 1 PM, a group of volunteers will be meeting at Abingdon Lock to help clean the River Thames and riverbank near Abingdon. Litter pickers, high-vis jackets, and gloves will be provided. If you’d like to help, you can just turn up on the day, or email events@abibinit.org for more details.
Into April in Abingdon with Flowers, Peace, Music and a Chocolate Factory
For the most comprehensive “What’s On” guide in Abingdon, visit the Town Council’s Local Information Centre at Roysse Court (same entrance as the Registry Office). Staff are available at the desk to answer questions and provide additional details beyond what’s listed.
The Abingdon Horticultural Society Spring Show will be on at the Northcourt Centre on Saturday 29th March, 2pm – 4pm. The main event is a display of spring flowers. There are also baking, crafts and photography.
The Abingdon Peace Pole’s first Anniversary – “Let’s Build Bridges Not Walls” – will be on Saturday 5th April, 3pm – 4:30pm at St Ethelwold’s Garden (indoors if wet). There will be a short ceremony to celebrate the Peace Pole, followed by refreshments, live music, and circle dancing (weather permitting).
On 5th April at 7:30pm at St Helen’s Church there will be a concert featuring local young organists and choral music by the Helenstowe Consort.
Abingdon Operatic Society will be performing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from 8th – 12th April, 7:30pm (Sat Matinee 2:30pm) at The Amey Theatre, Abingdon School. This is a musical stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story. Get your Golden Ticket at www.abingdonoperatic.co.uk.