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Abingdon 4x4 Festival

The Abingdon 4x4 Festival is a charity event held every September where enthusiasts with all types of 4x4 vehicles can have fun testing their skills around an off-road driving course.

First established in 2001, the Abingdon Festival has become the largest 4x4 charity event in the country. The event is based around a 2+ mile Army off-road driver training course located at Dalton Barracks just off the A34 near Abingdon. However, as the event has become more popular it has expanded to incorporate trade stands, club displays and other activities such as RC car racing and a concourse event. There is also ample room for camping on the site, which is first and foremost an Army airfield.

The event is run on behalf of the Rotary Club of Abingdon and all proceeds go to charities that this organisation supports. Tens of thousands of pounds have been raised so far and support has been given to a diverse range of charities, ranging from childrens hospitals to the air ambulance.

I've been involved with the event since 2002, first as a volunteer marshal, but in 2003 I took on the task of Clerk of the Course. Together with a team of about 40 marshals we regularly see more than 500 vehicles safely through the course over that two days of the event, with each making several laps.  I'll be Clerk of the Course again  this year and we hope to make course even longer and more challenging.

If you would like to spend a day or a weekend off-roading at Abingdon, and do a little bit for charity too, then follow the link on the left for details of how to book.