Why is Abingdon's Christmas Extravaganza cancelled?

The event usually takes place at the end of November and sees Santa’s sleigh arrive, family activities in the town and a Christmas lights display.

The Chamber of Commerce has organised the Christmas Extravaganza for many years in order to promote Abingdon in the run up to Christmas.

In previous years, planning has started early for the Extravaganza to book entertainers, attractions and fireworks to make the event 'special'.

Read also: PC Harper's mum Debbie Adlam "relieved" at law change

Local companies help fund the Extravaganza activities and the planning is usually reliant on help from a small number of volunteer members and friends.

A spokesperson from the Abingdon Chamber of Commerce said: "The pressures on businesses and personal life over the last eighteen months has left little room for extra activities in most of our lives.

"At the time we would normally approach businesses for sponsorship we were in a national lockdown. Furthermore, the situation was never clear as to what this festive season would be like.

"Asking for sponsorship and booking entertainment along the lines that we have been doing in previous years was just not feasible."

The Local Excellence Markets and Christmas Craft Market, which the Chamber has traditionally organised will be run by Abingdon Events Partnership. This new organisation will be organising the Christmas Craft Market on the December 4, in the Market Place.

-

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.