Cowley Road Carnival returns for first time in five years

The major event, run by Cowley Road Works for 20 years, was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid pandemic.

In 2022 organisers said the carnival - usually attended by tens of thousands of people - would take a break to consider its future.

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The carnival was due to go ahead last year but it was cancelled at the last minute due to a funding shortfall of about £20,000.

This summer it looks set to return as organisers of the event have announced it will take place on Sunday, July 7.

A statement from the Cowley Road Works said: "The Cowley Road Carnival team are thrilled to announce Carnival is back on the road so get ready to party on Sunday, July 7 2024 with the theme Our Nature Our Future."

The recently appointed carnival chairman Roy McEwen said the carnival was one of the most anticipated events that puts the people of Oxfordshire front and centre.

He added: "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.

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"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.”

Before the pandemic struck, the east Oxford event was the second biggest carnival in the UK after London's Notting Hill, and was thought to contribute almost £1m to the local economy.

The colourful gathering, which has in the past attracted up to 50,000 people, will be back on the streets with plans that include the iconic Cowley Road procession, Eco Floats, and street parties.

There will also be workshops for individuals and community groups to make their own carnival costumes and the opportunity to take part in the procession.

Zaheer Qureshi, who has been a board member for many years, said: “Since its inception this carnival has always been a key catalyst for building bridges between community, schools, youth services, cultural and disability groups.” 

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Last year, it was hoped the carnival would bring together 1,000 artists and 700 procession participants, in an event costing £130,000 in total.

Between 2016 and 2020 the Arts Council invested £281,886 in Cowley Road Carnival, but an application last year for a £29,000 Arts Council grant was not successful due to a high level of competition for funds.

Ahmad Mohammad, of Za'atar Bake in Cowley Road, which serves Middle Eastern cuisine, said businesses in the area would soon hold a meeting about the carnival.

He added: "It was very disappointing last year when the carnival was cancelled at such short notice.

"It's a multicultural celebration which is 100 per cent for the community - we are very glad it is back.

"Like a lot of restaurants on the day we will be serving food from stalls in the street, and inside.

"We need support from the council to keep the carnival going."

The city council has been contacted for comment.

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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. 

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