The Abingdon Christmas Extravaganza usually kicks of the festive season in the town, but this year it will not be going ahead.

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'.

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

Oxford Mail: Abingdon Christmas Extravaganza.. Picture Richard Cave 01.12.18 ..

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.

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