Fundraiser for Cowley Road Carnival set for this weekend

A fundraising event for the Cowley Road Carnival is set to take place this weekend.

The Cowley Road Takeover launch and fundraisers, featuring a series of sessions in venues on and around Cowley Road, will take place on Sunday, July 7.

The event is aiming to raise funds and awareness for the main carnival which is set to make its return after a five year absence on September 1.

Cowley Road Carnival (Image: Cowley Road Carnival)

The carnival, which this year has the theme of ‘Our Nature Our Future’, is one of the largest outdoor community celebrations in the region and regularly pulls in around 50,000 visitors for a day of live music, DJs, performances, and dancing.

Aidan Larkin from the Cowley Road Carnival team said: "The Cowley Road is such a vibrant, unique community.

"I've been in love with the place and the people since I first stepped off the Oxford Tube, 25 years ago.

"Culture, music and celebration is in our nature round here, so please get along and join us at our summer of carnival events - bring your creativity, bring your joy and chuck us a few quid if you can.

"Do what's in our nature and you can help secure carnival's future."

Cowley Road Carnival (Image: Cowley Road Carnival)

Artists, musicians, venues, and performers are collaborating to deliver a series of events featuring a range of local talent on Sunday.

Entertainment will range from Brazilian beats by Sol Samba to live graffiti with MES Crew and summer sounds from Natty Mark Samuels or Count Skylarkin’.

The Bullingdon will host Sol Samba and Natty Mark Samuels from midday before Osprey and the Oxford Blues Corporation arrive at 3pm.

The Black Swan will welcome Brooke Ellingworth, KIAARA, 9 Ton Peanut Smugglers and others while The James Street Tavern will offer live music, mural painting, DJs and food from midday to 7pm, before the celebrations continue into the evening.

Cowley Road Carnival (Image: Cowley Road Carnival)

The goal of these events is to generate as much financial support for the September carnival as possible.

Felix Joyce from the Cowley Road Carnival team said: "I’m delighted that after too many years in hiatus, we’re finally getting the carnival spirit back up and running.

"So many individuals and businesses have enthusiastically chipped in to make this launch so special.

"Please come and join in the fun on the seventh."

This year's carnival will feature the Cowley Road procession, eco floats, street parties and house floats.

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.