Cowley Road Carnival is set to return this September after the pandemic, and financial troubles last year, forced the event to cancel. 

The organisers have heralded their "triumphant return" with the event set to run on Sunday, September 1.

The event typically sees around 50,000 people crammed into Oxford streets for live music, DJs, performances and dancing. 

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The organising team said it would be a "spectacular celebration of community, creativity and sustainability" with the theme 'Our Nature, Our Future'. 

A spokesperson said a dedicated group of Trustees with the guidance of a renowned international Carnival expert, and funding from the Arts Council England, were ready to make a "significant impact".

Organised by Cowley Road Works, the festival begins with the Cowley Road Carnival launch on July 7 followed by Cowley-Fornia on August 4, before culminating with the grand finale, the Cowley Road Carnival Procession, on September 1.

The recently appointed Carnival Chair, Roy McEwen said the Cowley Road Carnival was "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," he said.

"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.”

Some of the plans for 2024 include the iconic Cowley Road procession, eco floats, street parties and house floats introduced in 2021.

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, a board member for many years, said the Carnival had always "been a key catalyst for building bridges between community, schools, youth services, cultural and disability groups". 

The news of the September date comes after last year's Cowley Carnival was cancelled as a result of unforeseen financial obstacles. 

At the time of the announcement in June 2023, the group cited increased costs for crucial Carnival services - with a 177 per cent increase on a quote, time constraints and infrastructure costs, as well as a reduced Oxford City Council grant which organisers blamed on previous Carnival management communication. 

Anyone interested in getting involved in the 2024 events either as a performer, stallholder, volunteer, to assist with social media, join the board or become a sponsor can go to the Cowley Road Carnival website.