THE BIGGEST street party in Oxford is going green this year with a celebration of all things related to ‘Mother Earth’.

Cowley Road Carnival has unveiled its topical theme as preparations get underway to create the impressive structures which will dance down the East Oxford street on the day.

Regularly attracting up to 50,000 revellers, the July 5 carnival will be the first with new director Clare O’Hara at the helm.

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She said: “With climate change so much in the public consciousness, Mother Earth is the perfect theme for 2020. The groups in the procession can interpret the theme as broadly as they like.”

She added: “There is a huge scope for the schools and other community groups to express love for the natural environment and focus on global and local environmental issues. We can’t wait to see their creative interpretations in the costumes and processional structures.”

The highlight for many on carnival day is the explosion of music, dance and giant colourful creations that parade down the road.

Starting from the Plain at 12.30 pm, around 700 people are expected to take part in this year’s procession.

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Year 9 and 10 pupils at Oxford Spires Academy have already completed their procession artwork in a project which has been supported by the Oxford Business Park.

Their giant octopus structure, which the group will be carrying in the procession, has been made using materials students have been reclaimed and reused.

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The tentacles were made from coffee cup tops and the tentacles from fabric conditioner bottles.

Karen Dix, head of art at the school, said: “It is a great opportunity for the arts leaders to use their skills and enthusiasm to enthuse and guide the younger students.

“It is great for them to have a real-life brief working towards a tangible goal, and one which is right at the heart of the community. It is why we love doing it.”

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Work with a further four schools will be supported by Oxford University in collaboration with academics from the Zoology and Earth Sciences departments.

In keeping with the green theme, carnival-goers can expect ‘Carnival Unplugged’ with a gentler atmosphere and acoustic melodic sets on the Manzil Gardens music stage.

Louder beats will still be found though on ‘Electric Avenue’ further down the Cowley Road nearer the Plain.

Businesses and other organisations are urged to get in touch and discuss how they can support the carnival.

IN PICTURES: Cosmic Cowley Road Carnival

Ms O'Hara said: "We couldn’t do what we do without great support from the Oxford community and that includes businesses.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Oxford Business Park for being so amazingly supportive and who are sponsoring us again for a second year. I urge other businesses to join them and pledge to help us do more work. ”

To find out more about how to get involved from volunteering to sponsoring email director@cowleyroadworks.org or visit cowleyroadcarnival.co.uk.