Excitement is building as Cowley Road Carnival is set to return to east Oxford this weekend after five years. 

Trustees of Cowley Road Works made the announcement in March that the event, which has not taken place since 2019, will be back this Sunday (September 1).

Packed with "entertainment for all ages, featuring local bands, international acts, delicious food, and engaging activities", the event will run from 11am until 5pm.

On the day of the carnival Cowley Road will be closed to traffic and bus services will be diverted.

READ MORE: Oxford: Man assaults McDonald's Cornmarket Street staff

In a statement posted on Thursday, Stagecoach said: "The Cowley Road will be closed to traffic and the one and 10 services will be on diversion in both directions between Cowley centre and The Plain via Church Cowley Road and Iffley Road.

"All stops on Iffley Road will be serviced."

Board member Alex Singleton previously said: "I cannot stop smiling knowing we will be doing what we last did in 2019.

"As a local artist and parent, I am so honoured to be part of this exciting rebirth."

City councillor for St Mary's ward, Emily Kerr said she is "thrilled" at the return of the carnival and will be attending. 

City councillor Emily Kerr is "thrilled" at the return of the event

READ MORE: Wantage: Award-winning flower shop to close after two years

"We’re really lucky that Oxford has a number of community-led fetes, and Cowley Road Carnival has always been one of the biggest and best," she said.

"This year it’s at a different time, just before the schools go back, so hopefully even more local families will be able to attend and enjoy it.

"I’m optimistic it’ll be a great end to the summer holidays."

Organisers say the Manzil Garden Stage will be the "carnival's vibrant heart", showcasing local talent and international stars.

The stage will kick off with Oxford’s youth group TH!NK and will also host the UK’s oldest steel band, Nostalgia, as well as a performance by the UK’s top Soca artist, Scrappy.

The procession, which is expected to be a "true spectacle", will feature 25 groups and more than 600 participants, celebrating the cultural diversity of Oxford.

READ MORE: Berinsfield: Car seized for having no insurance and no tax

Improv comedy, belly dancing and Japanese drumming will also feature for visitors to enjoy, as a well as a funfair, local food stalls, and walkabout performances. 

Cowley Road Carnival relies on funding sponsorship, stalls and sales and in the past has been funded or sponsored by The Arts Council, BMW Mini, Brookes University, Global Carnivalz, Oxford City Council and its partners.

In July the Cowley Road Takeover launch and fundraisers featured a series of sessions in venues on and around Cowley Road to raise funds and awareness for the main carnival this weekend.