Thanks to Colette and Pete for these two upcoming events by two important Abingdon institutions.

Abingdon Drama Club presents Dancing at Lughnasa, Brian Friel’s lyrical play, from 2nd to 5th July at the Unicorn Theatre.

Set in 1930s rural Ireland, the play captures two afternoons in the lives of five sisters during the festival of Lughnasa.

Director Colette Lardner-Browne, who grew up in Galway, brings a personal connection to the production. “I was captivated by the play’s rich characters and lyrical language,” she says. “It’s a joy to bring this beautiful story to Abingdon.”

Performances:
Wed–Sat, 2nd–5th July at 7:30pm
Sat matinee, 5th July at 2:30pm

Tickets: £15 / £12 concessions
Available online at abingdon-drama-club.com or from The Bookstore.

On Saturday 14th June at 7:30pm, Abingdon & District Musical Society will perform Verdi’s Requiem in the Amey Theatre at Abingdon School.

The performance will be conducted by Alexander Walker and the orchestra will be led by Kate Bailey.

Tickets will cost £15 on the door or £13 in advance (booking fees apply). Under-£16s, £1. Tickets available from boxoffice@abingdon.org.uk, or visit www.ameytheatre.org.uk, or tel. 01235-849063.

Sunday, May 25th, 2025 –

Abingdon Cycle Festival – Rides set off from the Market Place at 9:00 AM and continue throughout the morning.

Litter Picking in Abingdon Town Centre (AbiBinit!) – Keep Abingdon Tidy! Equipment provided – including litter pickers for adults and children, high-vis jackets, gloves, and hand sanitizer – or feel free to bring your own.

The 42nd World Poohsticks Championship – Take your chance at becoming a world champion in something you never trained for! Organised by The Rotary Club of Abingdon.

Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 –

Agnostics Anonymous – A chance to explore another faith question  – open to all.

Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 –

Abingdon Naturalists Society – talk on ‘Dragons and Damsels of the Abingdon Area: Are They the Ultimate Predator?’

Abingdon Mega Reservoir – a talk about the concerns raised by the proposed reservoir.

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.

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