Oxford News
Concerns over huge summer fireworks festival amid drought
Abingdon International Fireworks Festival is scheduled to take place at Abingdon Airfield on Saturday, August 29, with organisers billing the event as the UK’s ‘biggest summer fireworks night’.
It is due to involve four full pyrotechnic shows, including a 270 degree closing fireworks display, a ‘wall of fire’, hot air balloons and a ‘huge’ fairground.
But people are concerned about the risk of the event sparking a fire, amid a continuing drought and repeated heatwaves hitting the county.
It is scheduled just weeks after the government sent out an emergency alert to millions of phones in the UK about the risk of wildfires and the steps people should take to minimise the risk of starting a blaze, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham describing Britain as a ‘tinderbox’.
Oxfordshire County Councillor Tom Greenaway for Abingdon East said he has written to the relevant authorities to discuss people’s concerns about the show and the steps that could be taken.
In a statement shared on Friday, August 14, he said: “Thank you to those who have written to us regarding the drought and wildfire risk for this event.
“We have raised these concerns with the relevant authorities, and conversations are continuing with those responsible for organising the event.
“Thank you all for your patience. We will provide an update when have further information.”
County Councillor Nathan Ley, for Abingdon North, shared Cllr Greenaway’s concerns, and added: “If I was in charge of anything it would have been stopped already.”
A spokesperson for Xplosive Events, organising the Abingdon Fireworks Festival, said: “The organisers already made a decision as of Thursday, August 13 following meetings with the Ministry of Defence.
“Details of the decision and the future of the event will be announced on Monday at 2.30pm, and all ticket holders will be contacted at the same time.”
People had taken to social media to express their concerns about the possibility of a large-scale fireworks event going ahead during the drought.
One commenter said: “Even if all precautions are taken it doesn’t set a good example to the general community about the use of fireworks during this drought.”
Restrictions are already being imposed on the public to reduce the risk of accidental fires starting in the countryside, such as a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues.
Another commenter added: “I love fireworks but totally agree that it would be irresponsible in the current conditions.”
Multiple people added that they had written to the MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, Layla Moran, who acknowledged their concerns and said she would write to the Chief Fire Officer.
The closure affects the route between the A420 and Coxwell Road near Great Coxwell to allow for carriageway widening and the construction of a new signal-controlled junction.
The closure, in effect 24 hours a day, will begin on September 7, 2026, and is expected to remain in place until April 16, 2027.
An alternative route will be signposted via the A420, London Street, Coxwell Street, and Coxwell Road.
The order, issued by Oxfordshire County Council under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, will remain in force for up to 18 months if necessary.
Exemptions are included for emergency vehicles, and signage will be in place to advise drivers of the closure.
The coffee dispenser at the Headington Waitrose is out of order and not for the first time according to reports, leaving customers disappointed they can no longer access their free cappuccino or flat white using their Waitrose card.
The Headington News said: “The Headington Waitrose free coffee machine is out of order again today (Saturday 29 August).”
READ MORE: Support for King Charles as multiple UK politicians have historic honour removed
The notice on the machine at the store in Old High Street says: “The coffee machine is currently out of order. Apologies for the inconvenience.”
The issue is not a universal problem – coffee machines at other Waitrose stores are working well.
The Waitrose chain, owned by the John Lewis Partnership, restored its free coffee offer in January 2025.
Following outrage over the withdrawal of the offer during the pandemic, the company told the nine million members on its My Waitrose loyalty scheme they would again be entitled to a complementary americano, cappuccino, latte or tea once a day regardless of whether they bought anything – as long as they have their own reusable cup.
In a statement, Waitrose said at the time: “Some of our My Waitrose members like to have the free coffee before they shop or during the shop, rather than afterwards, so we are just offering a bit of flexibility in response to customer feedback.”
READ MORE: UK acting legend, 67, spotted filming new TV series by Oxford Uni landmark
There were queues at coffee stations and complaints from customers that the offer was attracting the “wrong type of shopper” when Waitrose introduced the perk in 2013.
In 2017, it cracked down on ‘freeloaders’ by forcing members to buy something before pouring themselves a free hot drink.
The scheme was scrapped during the Covid crisis, but reintroduced in November 2022 – again for customers making a purchases. This is no longer a requirement.
Thames Valley Police has launched an investigation after a pigeon was killed in a wildlife crime incident in Plover Drive, Oxford, at around 6.50pm on August 24.
The force said that two teenage boys used a catapult to knock a pigeon from a tree before the bird was attacked by three smaller terrier-type dogs that were with them.
READ MORE: Oxford probe launched after ‘shocking assault’ of 60-year-old by teen boys
Descriptions of the two boys have been released with the first described as wearing a black sleeveless vest, dark-coloured bottoms, black trainers with white soles.
In addition he had a black-and-white flat-peaked cap worn backwards and was believed to have been carrying a catapult.
The second was reportedly wearing a light-coloured T-shirt and blue jeans, with brown, medium-length hair.
He was also seen carrying an unidentified item.
A spokesperson for the police said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident or who may recognise those involved from the descriptions above.
READ MORE: Police race to ‘fear for welfare’ incident by Oxford BMW factory
“We would also like to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from the Plover Drive area between 6.30pm and 7pm on 24 August that may assist our investigation.
“Wildlife crime has a real impact on our communities, and we take reports of offences against wild animals and birds seriously.
” If you have any information, please contact the force on 101 or report online, quoting reference 43260448136.”
‘Without us, no wheel would turn’: the unsung heroes keeping England’s transport moving | Business
Train drivers secure 3.6% pay rise after threat of strikes on busy UK routes | Rail transport
Oxfordshire road between the A420 and Coxwell Road to close
-
Oxford News3 weeks agoTrain cancellation alert amid ‘fault’ near London Paddington
-
Oxford News2 weeks agoMuseum evacuated and Oxford University closed amid incident
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoMuscle Food at risk of closing after entering administration
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoBritish Business Bank backs PhysicsX with USD $25 million
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoNuggit launches GBP £5 million fund for UK YouTubers
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoHistoric town faces series of high street shop closures
-
Student Life4 weeks agoMy year of rest and rustication
-
Student Life4 weeks agoAcademic tourism: Oxford University and its summer schools