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

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.

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.

Another place to check out upcoming local events is the window of Merityre on Ock Street in Abingdon.

Abingdon & District Musical Society have a concert, taking place on Saturday, 22nd March 2025 at 7:30 PM at St Helen’s Church. The programme includes:
Britten – Rejoice in the Lamb
Rutter – Gloria
Kodály – Missa Brevis

There is a production of “Abigail’s Party” by Mike Leigh, presented by Abingdon Drama Club at the Unicorn Theatre from Wednesday 26th March – Saturday 29th March.

An Agnostics Anonymous meeting at St Helen’s Parish Centre in Abingdon will have an open discussion on Prayer for Agnostics.

There are a series of events scheduled as part of the ATOM Festival of Science & Technology, taking place from 15th-26th March.  Among these is Science on the Market Place this Saturday. atomfestival.org.uk has the details.