Abingdon on Thames Town Council

'good Cause' Coffee Morning (Drayton)
2026-05-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-20 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Drayton Village Hall, Lockway, Drayton, OX14 4LF, United Kingdom
Coffee and cake, or tea and a bacon sarnie if you prefer, and all for a good cause! Good parking, free wi-fi. Every Weds morning (but check local F’book for any exceptions) – in Drayton Village Hall, Lockway, OX14 4LF

Rebecca Wait author event
2026-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Abingdon Library, The Charter, Abingdon, OX14 3LY, United Kingdom
Rebecca Wait, author of the critically acclaimed The View on the Way Down, The Followers, Our Fathers and I’m Sorry You Feel That Way will be introducing her latest work: HAVOC – a darkly witty tragi-comedy described by The Guardian as: “Gleefully macabre… a plot so deliciously thick you could stand a spoon up in it.” Join us and discover why Rebecca Wait is one of the most exciting voices in contemporary fiction. Includes an audience Q&A and book signing. Tickets £2, inc. a free welcome drink, available from the library, call 01865 815005 or email abingdon.library@oxfordshire.gov.uk

PQA Abingdon Free Launch Event
2026-05-15 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-22 17:00 - 20:00 | Europa School, UK, Thame Lane, Culham, Oxfordshire, OX12 8GF, United Kingdom
Step through the doors of our new Friday academy and discover the wonderful world of performing arts. Our project-based learning approach in musical theatre, film and drama nurtures skills for stage, screen, and the everyday scene.
Our exciting creative projects and performance experiences, run by our specialist teachers, allow your child to take on fun new challenges, learn and feel good even when they make mistakes.
From performing on a West End stage and your local theatre, screening their short films and experiencing masterclasses run by industry specialists. PQA Abingdon offers an unrivalled breadth of learning opportunities, allowing young performers, actors and filmmakers to create their own work, whilst being guided by our expert teachers.
Our academy offers a safe and inclusive place for young people to discover their strengths, grow in creativity and develop skills to grow into confident adults. We’re all about celebrating the individual and we pride ourselves on helping young people discover and develop their amazing self.
Try a full session for free at PQA Abingdon

Cakes and Ale + Festival to Celebrate St Edmund of Abingdon's 850th Anniversary
2026-05-16 | Abingdon, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3LY, United Kingdom
On Saturday 16th May there will be a special Festival in honour of St Edmund of Abingdon’s 850th Anniversary. We wish to raise his profile in his hometown and also raise funds for TAB (The Abingdon Bridge) and St Michael’s Church restorations.
Please click here for the ‘pick and choose’ programme for the 16th and the QR code for the ticketed events. As you you see we have created a very full and wide ranging day for the town to enjoy.
On Sunday 17th May we will close the celebrations with a special Choral Evensong for St Edmund of Abingdon. This will be held at St Helen’s Church at 5.30pm on Sunday 17th May

Chatty Walk
2026-05-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-23 10:00 - 11:00 | The Dog’s Spot, 2 High Street, Abingdon, OX14 5AX
Join us on our weekly walk starting at The Dog’s Spot. Meet new friends, hounds and human, and enjoy a relaxed stroll through Abbey meadows and along the river. Every week, weather permitting. No dogs needed!

Spring Plant Sale St Helen's Dry Sandford
2026-05-16 10:00 - 13:00 | St Helen’s Church Dry Sandford, Church Lane, Abingdon, England, OX13 6JP, United Kingdom
Get ready for spring planting! The members of St. Helen’s Church, Dry Sandford are having a one-day plant sale on Sat., 16th May (10am-1pm) in support of St. Helen’s Church. On offer will be a variety of garden and house plants including annual and perennial bedding plants, veggies, herbs, etc. Tea and homemade cake too! For over a decade, our gem of a plant sale is a known local favourite (Church Lane, Dry Sandford, OX13 6JP).
URL:
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3574187-0?pid=10156
Date and Time: On Sat, 16 May 2026 10:00 – 13:00
Venue details: St Helen’s Church Dry Sandford, Church Lane, Abingdon, England, OX13 6JP, United Kingdom
Category: Community | Fundraisers

Free Bike Checks
2026-05-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Abingdon County Hall Museum
A team of volunteer mechanics will offer free bicycle health checks in the space under the arches of the Abingdon County Hall (below the museum).

They will check, lubricate or adjust gears, cables, and brakes. Or adjust saddles and handlebars, pump up tyres and repair punctures. Occasionally people just want an unbiased opinion or advice and they’ll happily give that too!
Please note that they don’t carry spares but, if your bike needs new parts or bigger repairs, we recommend Abingdon’s two excellent local bike shops: Pedal Power (in the Vineyard) and Behind Bars (at the back of Coxeters House)

Bike check
2026-05-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Abingdon County Hall Museum
Bring your bike along to the arches of the County Hall Museum for a free bike safety check

Plant & Seed Share
2026-05-16 10:30 - 12:30 | Under the County Hall Arches
Share spare plants and seeds you no longer need; take home something different to try for free!
From strawberries to horseradish, vegetables to trees and wildflowers — there is something for everyone! Free Gardening advice too!
By the arches under County Hall Museum OX14 3HG

Grim Dark Gaming Society
2026-05-16 10:30 - 16:00 | Willows Shake Shop, 18 Bury Street, Abingdon, OX14 3QT, United Kingdom
The Grim Dark Gaming Society has been going since January 2023 and provides facilities and equipment for Science Fiction and table-top gaming.
We provide a space to discuss, paint and play fantasy and sci-fi games. We also offer a safe place to play, paint and meet like-minded people with the same interest. Beginners and experienced players are all welcome.
The society is a non-profit organisation made to further enjoyment of the hobby in all aspects. It is also a great opportunity for players to play games with new people and expand participants’ knowledge and passion for Warhammer and similar strategy games. Whilst these are the main games played there is always room for others and we have board games such as, Rumble Slam, Scythe and many more.
The club is based above the willows shake shop at the heart of Abingdon town centre and sessions take place on Mondays and Wednesday between 6:30pm and 10:00pm. On Saturday it starts at 10:30am and ends at 4:00pm. There will always be one committee member at each session to welcome you, and of course me on a Wednesday.
If you want to know more you can email (bloodandwar40@gmail.com) or check out our website (https:/a-grim-dark-gaming-society.square.site/).
In the evenings and at the weekend you can get refreshments downstairs such as milkshakes, coffee tea and cold drinks so there’s a wide variety of hot or cold food available, depending on your taste. All in all this is a great opportunity for people who want to play strategy games for a small fee or you can watch the games and seek advice for free.

Puppy Social
2026-05-16 11:30 - 12:00 | The Dog’s Spot, 2 High Street, Abingdon, OX14 5AX
Puppy Social is back and better than ever! Free of charge and even a puppacino on house with purchases over £20.
Join us at 11.30am with your fully-vaccinated pup for pawsitive play and socialising.
Up to 20 weeks old.

Piano Recital in St Michael's Church, Park Road, Abingdon
2026-05-16 15:00 - 17:00 | St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Abingdon, Park Road, Abingdon, OX14 1DS, United Kingdom
Romantic Piano Music in the Church
A recital performed by Marcus Gabriel Ecseghy, an acclaimed young German concert pianist, featuring Beethoven’s Appassionata Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 and a selection of ballads by Chopin.
Ticket price of £15 includes refreshments (tea and cake).
The recital is part of the Cakes and Ale Festival.

Piano Recital in St Michael's Church, Park Road, Abingdon
2026-05-16 15:00 - 17:00 | St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Abingdon, Park Road, Abingdon, OX14 1DS, United Kingdom
Romantic Piano Music in the Church
A recital performed by Marcus Gabriel Ecseghy, an acclaimed young German concert pianist, featuring Beethoven’s Appassionata Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 and a selection of ballads by Chopin.
Ticket price of £15 includes refreshments (tea and cake). Venue: St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Park Road, Abingdon. OX14 1DS
The recital is part of the Cakes and Ale Festival on 16th March.

Urban Folk Quartet with support from Anna Renae
2026-05-16 19:00 - 23:00 | Harwell Village Hall, High Street, Harwell, OX11 0EX, United Kingdom
We are pleased to welcome The Urban Folk Quartet to Harwell.
UFQ have ignited audiences across the world with their cross-genre, contemporary take on folk music for over a decade.
Rooted in Celtic tune forms and traditional song, UFQ also take influence from Afrobeat, Indian classical, funk, rock and a whole lot more.
Featuring Joe Broughton on fiddle, guitar, and mandolin; Paloma Trigás on fiddle and vocals; Tom Chapman on cajón, percussion, and vocals; and Dan Walsh on banjo, guitar, and vocals, their show is a multi-instrumental spectacle of high-energy virtuosity.
Touring with their newly released and much anticipated seventh album – True Story – expect a groove-filled set of acoustic music, presented with infectious energy and humour.
Support from Anna Renae
Doors and bar 7pm, music at 7:40pm

Brightwell cum Sotwell - Open Gardens in a glorious village
2026-05-17 14:00 - 17:30 | Brightwell cum Sotwell Village, United Kingdom
Spring is the perfect time to visit 10 private gardens in a delightful village in south Oxfordshire. Enjoy the opportunity to admire the flowers and shrubs, the inspired designs and planting, the use of light and shade as well as discover those added extras that make the gardens so special.
The village has houses dating back to the 16th century with two Manors, workers and alms houses, Victorian villas, farms and orchards, and charming thatched cottages. Some of our newest houses have already created and established beautiful gardens, many designed by horticultural design consultancy Blooming Botany based in the village.
We even have streams, moats, ducks and cows!
Stroll through the village and follow signs to each garden or start at the Village Hall West End OX10 0RY or opposite the Red Lion, a 16th century thatched pub, on Brightwell Street OX10 0RT.
At the first garden you visit you will buy a pass and a map as well as a brief description to guide you to all the gardens. Pimm’s will be on sale as well as teas and homemade cakes. For even more inspiration you can also visit the Art Show at the Village Hall.
Considerate street parking only or take the number 33/33A bus and a stroll.
Entry adults £5; children free. CASH ONLY please
All proceeds support clubs and societies in the village.
More details are available at bcscommunityassoc@gmail.com

Town Council - Annual Meeting
2026-05-18 18:30 | Abingdon Guildhall, Abbey Close, Abingdon, OX14 3JD, United Kingdom
Town council meetings are usually held in the Old Magistrates’ Court and are open to the public.

Town Council - Mayor Making Civic Ceremony
2026-05-18 19:30 | St. Helen’s Church, West St. Helen Street,, Abingdon, OX14 5BS, United Kingdom

"The Road to Peace is Paved with Headstones", stories behind the names on Abingdon War Memorial
2026-05-18 19:30 - 21:30 | long furlong community centre, boulter drive, abingdon, oxfordshire, OX14 1XP, United Kingdom
Beyond the cold stone of the Abingdon War Memorial lies a tapestry of lived experience, individual sacrifice, and the profound impact of war on our local community. Join us for a moving and insightful talk as Dick Richards peels back the layers of history to reveal the stories of the people behind the names.
This presentation offers an intimate look at local history by humanising the names on the memorial, exploring the impact of the Great War and the Second World War on local families and the tight-knit Victorian and Edwardian communities of Abingdon. You will discover the military history of well-known Abingdon families and explore how specific local streets were forever changed by the ultimate sacrifice. This talk is part of a series delivered by Dick under the banner of “The Road to Peace is Paved with Headstones”

Refreshments: Tea and coffee will be available.
Raffle: Join in for a chance to win a prize and help support the society.
Easy Access: There is a large free car park directly adjacent to the hall.
Open to all: Visitors and non-members are warmly welcomed for just £5 per person.

Booking Information: Advance booking, via the Events page on our website Berksfhs.org, for members and non-members is appreciated but not required. Non-members have the option to register and pay online in advance. If you prefer to pay on arrival, please note that we can only accept cash payments at the venue.

Abingdon Astronomical Society
2026-05-18 20:00 - 22:00
Abingdon Astronomical Society are having a Beginners Meeting tonight at the Methodist Church Hall, Dorchester Crescent, OX14 2AH.
The meeting starts at 8.00 pm and ends at 10.00 pm with a tea break in the middle.
All welcome. More details at www.abingdonastro.org.uk

Zumba Class
2026-05-19 11:00 - 12:00 | West Wing Studio Coxeter House, West Wing Studio Coxeter House Abingdon OX14 3RG, Abingdon, OX14 3RG, United Kingdom
Enjoy 1 hour fun Zumba dance class at the centre of Abingdon at West Wing Studio! ✨💕💃
We start of the class with a fun warm up and energy cleanse followed by embodying fun Zumba formula 1 steps to upbeat fun music!
This class is high pace and fun for a morning workout to start your day!
We finish by doing a light cool down

COFFEE MORNING (Weekly in Drayton)
2026-05-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Drayton Village Hall, Lockway, Drayton, OX14 4LF, United Kingdom
Community coffee morning – to raise funds for village hall and other good causes. Tea, coffee, cake (or 3?!) maybe even a bacon sarnie?! Running weekly now on Weds mornings.

Oliver! Jr.
2026-05-20 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Amey Theatre, Abingdon School, Abingdon School Park Road, Abingdon, OX14 1DE, United Kingdom
Consider yourself at home (!) as Abingdon’s Drama Department invites you to step into the bustling, fog-filled streets of Victorian London, in this year’s Lower School Musical of Oliver! Jr.
You will see the Amey Theatre transform from the grim workhouse to the criminal underbelly of the city. Follow the journey of the young orphan Oliver Twist as he navigates a world of petty thieves and pickpockets in search of a family to call his own.
With a talented cast of over 40 performers – featuring students from Abingdon’s Lower School and MTSD students – get ready for an evening of energy, heart, and timeless musical numbers.
Don’t miss out on this heartwarming story of hope and belonging – get your tickets now!

Free Healthy Lifestyle Programme in Abingdon
2026-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Abingdon Carousel Family Centre, Caldecott Chase, Abingdon, OX14 5GZ
Maximus delivers Beezee programmes. We offer free, award-winning, healthy lifestyle support for adults, young people & families across the UK. Beezee Adults is our free healthy lifestyle programme – available in-person or online. It’s designed to help you lose weight in a healthy way, and keep it off for good.

AbiBinIt Community Litter Pick: Marcham Road
2026-05-23 10:00 - 12:00 | MG Heritage Park, Marcham Rd
The usual applies: equipment and pickers will be provided. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Appropriate clothing / footwear recommended.
If you’ve never litter picked with us then make May your month to change that.
Don’t be shy – step up and come and help keep this town tidy 😃
