Today was probably the hottest Abingdon Christmas Extravaganza Day on record. It was a lovely sunny day in late November.
The Mayor, Councillor Angela Lawrence – a long time advocate of Fair Trade, visited the Fair Trade Christmas Bazaar, at St Ethelwold’s House, in the morning.
There was no best shop window competition this year. But looking round, and I am no judge, it would have been between Fabulous Flowers …
and Oxfam. Snow was falling throughout the day on the Reindeer inside the window. If they don’t turn the snow off soon it will drift.
At midday, waiting in Queens Street Carpark for the start of the Christmas Extravaganza Parade, were the Mayor, Mace Bearer, Town Crier, and Town Clerk.
Various community groups were also waiting to take part in the midday parade, including some junior members of the cast of a play that will be performed in the Unicorn Theater from Wednesday 10th December to Sunday 14th December – called Scrooge. More Info Here.
The Oxford Caledonian Pipes and Drums Band led the parade.
Throughout the day people visited Abingdon shops, and coffee shops. They ate Hog roasted by the Crown and Thistle, partook of beer brewed by Loose Cannon Brewery, and enjoyed entertainment provided by many community groups. Pictured above are the Abingdon Community Choir.
The day ended with fire juggling…
The Christmas Lights were switched on (pictures to follow) …
and fireworks.
More pictures of the day on AbingdonBlog Facebook.
What a wonderful event it was, from beginning to end, best yet. Well done Chamber. Lots of things going on, lots of people, lovely weather, fabulous fireworks
They’ve made it such a good day – well done to all.
I have only one niggle – we couldn’t hear the PA across the market place – so the lights just suddenly switched on – all the crowd could have joined in a countdown.
The fireworks were fab!
It was a brilliant day – something to see or do all day. And so good to see Abingdon full of people and the shops and cafes were really bustling. Well done to everyone who helped organise this – it must be a tremendous amount of work, but worth it.
It was great. Fireworks were brilliant.
It was a superb day – many thanks to all who worked so hard to make it a success. Speaking of shop window decorations, one of the hairdressers in Stert Street has put a lot of effort into making a beautiful window. Likewise the gift shop (Finishing Touch).
Speaking of shops, there is a lovely new little craft/gift shop in Stert Street with lots of unusual hand-crafted items. I wonder how many people know it is there?
Generally a great day. Only expected to stay a couple of hours, but stayed all day. So much to do. Great organisation. The fire juggler was amazing.
Enjoyed the parade, though surprised there were so few councillors in it. Also, while the Scottish pipers were very good, it would be nice to see a more local band, like Abingdon Band, both in the parade and on the market place playing Christmas music. Perhaps they had another commitment, but I would have thought this a high priority. Perhaps next year? We will certainly be there.