A summer of major events and celebrations is being lined up for Wallingford.

For years volunteer groups in the south Oxfordshire market town have run a series of showcase events throughout the summer months, and this year is set to be one of the best. 

They include Wallingford Vehicle Rally, Wallingford Carnival, a celebration of the town's curfew bell, paying tribute to local author Agatha Christie and Bunkfest, which attracts thousands of folk fans to the town.

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Town mayor Daniel Beauchamp said he was "delighted" that Wallingford was able to offer such a varied programme of events throughout the summer months.

He added: "The curfew bell celebrations started last year and we are pleased to continue that tradition."

Herald Series: Wallingford Vehicle RallyWhile some events are led by the town council, the mayor praised volunteers for running other events.

He said: "We are so lucky in Wallingford to have individuals and groups who want to do so much for the town and that is borne out by the excellent events we are staging throughout the summer.

"They care about the town, and they want it to be the best it can be."

The first major event is Wallingford Vehicle Rally, which takes place on Sunday, May 12.

Herald Series: Wallingford CarnivalThe rally's website says: "This regular event for the town’s calendar is open to all classic, custom and interesting vehicles from bicycles to tanks.

First, the vehicles tour through the town in convoy.

"This alone is an event in itself. The streets are lined with spectators, children pointing and smiling in wonderment, drivers waving, a sea of shining chrome and pleasingly eclectic paint hues glimmering as they drive by in the summer sun.

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"The locals love it, with many households bringing the garden furniture to the front of the house for a comfortable seat. It’s happy, it’s fun. We like that."

Wallingford Carnival is expected to take place on Saturday, June 15.

Earlier this year organisers announced the theme would be 'we can be heroes'.

Organisers have invited traders to be a part of the event with sponsorship or by joining in with a float, including pubs, clubs, groups, schools, businesses, musicians and individuals.

Herald Series: Marcus Harris and Craig Simpson

The first curfew bell celebration was staged for the first time by the town council last year and this year will be held on Saturday, July 6.

The event marks the extra hour of curfew granted to the town by William the Conqueror for allowing his army to cross the River Thames in 1066.

More than 1,000 people attended the celebrations last year and town councillor Marcus Harris is hoping the event's popularity will continue to grow so it becomes a regular fixture on the calendar.

Herald Series: BunkfestA murder mystery extravaganza will mark Wallingford's links with Agatha Christie on September 9 and September 10.

And the summer season will conclude with the Bunkfest beer and folk festival on the Kinecroft, which runs from August 30 to September 1.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.