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.