THE return of the Cowley Road Carnival brought the feelgood factor back to Oxford’s most colourful street as an estimated 30,000 people enjoyed the bash without any major police incidents.

Last year, a brawl broke out in the street involving hundreds of youths shortly after the Cowley Road Fringe Festival and the Carnival in the Park.

However, police said there were just six arrests this year, mainly for drink-related offences, compared to 17 arrests at the Henley Regatta between Friday and Sunday.

One 44-year-old man was also arrested for cannabis possession in Cowley Road.

Last night, organisers Cowley Road Works said they were already making plans to raise funds so the event can return in 2011.

This year’s bash only went ahead after the city and county councils agreed a one-off £40,000 bail-out.

Many traders appreciated the return of the event to the street in today’s tough economic times.

Abdul-Halim Shorkar had a food stall outside his restaurant, the First Floor in Cowley Road, and one at the carnival in South Park He said: “The carnival puts East Oxford on the map and definitely helps bring the feelgood factor back to the Cowley Road.

“People were in a very positive mood and that helps when times are hard.”

Rod Jones, owner of RJ@21, estimated he had a 20 per cent increase in trade from the carnival. He said: “Last year it was very quiet and it was much better that the carnival was back on the road.”

Aziz Ur-Rahman, who runs Aziz restaurant in Cowley Road, said his takings almost doubled. He said: “It was a very successful day, but if it was just in the Cowley Road it would be better.

“In previous years the streets were buzzing, but after the procession I felt the Cowley Road lacked a buzz.”

Mr Ur-Rahman wants to arrange a meeting of traders to request next year’s event happens in Cowley Road only.

He believes that traders should donate between 10 to 20 per cent of their increased takings from the carnival to make sure this happens.

Paul Wolf, chairman of Cowley Road Works, said: “There is no doubt in our minds that a carnival on the road and in the park is what the people of East Oxford want and we are going to do everything we can to bring it back next year.

“Fundraising is at the top of our action list right now as we are aware that public funding is tight and we have many ideas about how we can appeal to more businesses to pledge their support for us.”

Saturday’s Fiesta in the Park fundraiser attracted about 800 people and is also expected to return.

  • A 36-year-old man suffered a broken jaw in Union Street after following a man suspected of stealing a handbag in Cowley Road late on Sunday.

The handbag was stolen from Door 74 restaurant at about 11.30pm.

A 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of GBH and is currently in custody.

Anyone with information should call Det Con Simon Hannam on 08458 505505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To give feedback, email carnival@eastoxford.com or write to 7 Newtec Place, Oxford OX4 1RE