Abingdon’s Market Place was full of colour today for the annual ‘Paint Abingdon Pink’ event, organised in support of the Abingdon-based charity Against Breast Cancer. First launched in 2009, this event raises both awareness and vital funds for breast cancer research. This year’s event had a lively atmosphere, colourful stalls, a full programme of entertainment and lots of memorable characters,

starting with the Chair of Trustees for Against Breast Cancer – recognisable in his pink hat and bow tie, with a clip board to make sure things happened in time and order.

The Grim Dark Gaming Society, based at Paws and Play, also helped promote and organise the event. Here is one of their members with the bubble machine.

The first act I saw was belly dancing. The Abbey Brass could be seen preparing to take to the stage behind.

One vehicle caught my eye. At first glance I thought it was a police car for children to explore, but it turned out to be a look a like car from the film ‘Hot Fuzz’, with look a like actors.

There were also visits from other galaxies, like Darth Vader

and an impressively tall Chewbacca. Here Chewbacca is with two volunteers collecting money in pink buckets.

Local performers took part in the day’s entertainment, including Mr Hemmings’ Traditional Abingdon Morris Dancers. They have their day of dance around the town centre next Saturday.

The Ashnah Tribal Dancers added more colour and energy with their performance.

Later in the afternoon, local favourites The Undercovers took to the stage with a popular set of cover songs.

But the day was about much more than fun and entertainment. Fiona, who runs the Compassionate Café, read a series of poems reflecting the experiences of women living with breast cancer, those who had survived, and those who had not. It was a reminder of why everyone had come together: to support a charity dedicated to funding research that will help more people survive in the future.