The charity behind Cowley Road Carnival has announced the appointment of a new chairman.

Roy McEwen, who has a passion for carnival arts, technology, and entrepreneurship, is taking over the role at Cowley Road Works.

Mr McEwen brings to the organisation an extensive range of experience in roles within the carnival arts and entertainment sector.

He has held positions including the chair of the Caribbean Music Association, the Notting Hill Carnival Trust, CEO of MaKING Carnival.

Mr McEwen said: "The Cowley Road Carnival is one of the most anticipated events that puts the people of Oxfordshire front and centre.

"Carnival provides a platform for artistic expression and a spectacular parade, embodying the true essence of masquerade.

"Our stakeholders are keen to see the sustainable success of the carnival on the Cowley Road.

"I am encouraged that 2024 provides an opportunity to return Cowley Road Carnival to the summer calendar and its contribution to the economic vitality of the Cowley Road community."

His initiatives at MaKING Carnival include the conception of the first and only reality TV show dedicated to training and showcasing emerging carnival costume designers for the Notting Hill Carnival.

Mr McEwen’s entrepreneurial skills were responsible for bringing MaKING Carnival to Sky platform’s JamTV, enhancing the visibility of the carnival community.

The event was called off last year after fundraising efforts failed to raise the £20,000 shortfall in funding.

It is Oxfordshire’s biggest free public event, but it has not taken place for more than three years.

In the past the event has seen up to 50,000 people filling the streets of East Oxford for a colourful procession, live music on multiple stages and DJ performances.

Mr McEwen has shown a commitment to health and safety within the carnival community.

He created "On de Road," a health and safety guide for mobile sound systems.

The Metropolitan Police endorsed the guide, and the Greater London Authority referenced it during the Cultural Review of the Notting Hill Carnival.

Pax Nindi FRSA, the CEO of the Charity, added: "Roy is a breath of fresh air in an organisation that has struggled for the last two years.

"With his Carnival and business knowledge, we are embarking on a brilliant journey with such strong leadership."

The Cowley Road Carnival board of trustees and stakeholders "eagerly anticipates" Mr McEwen's leadership as the organisation continues to engage and celebrate diverse communities via its annual Carnival and year-round cultural engagement programmes.

The Cowley Road Carnival has started planning and fundraising to make its return on July 7.