THIS weekend, Oxford’s biggest party will hit the streets and parks of the city.

Thousands of people are expected to make their way to East Oxford to celebrate the Cowley Road Carnival over the next two days.

Award-winning rapper Roots Manuva will kick the party off in style tonight, joined by Oxford ska and reggae DJ Count Skylarkin, at the carnival’s Fiesta in the Park, before an estimated 30,000 make their way to South Park tomorrow to continue the festivities.

The park will host four stages, 68 traders’ stalls, family-friendly activities and food stalls selling anything from Oxford ice cream to a host of ethnic food laid on by traders from the nearby Cowley Road.

Instead of taking place along the road, financial and planning pressures have forced the trademark carnival procession instead to South Park at noon tomorrow.

But the spirit of carnival will be kept alive along Cowley Road, by the East Oxford Community Centre, SS Mary and John Church and Union Street Youth Centre with a variety of fun activities including a summer fete, barbecue and fun workshops.

The 700-strong procession, which features children from 14 schools, will stretch over the entire length of South Park with giant puppets depicting Roald Dahl’s The BFG and performers dressed as characters from the hit film Dirty Dancing.

Head of art at Cheney School, Michelle Johnson, said students had made large puppets of the film’s two main characters. She added: “It is all looking really good. It has been a bit hectic putting the last-minute touches to the costumes and so on, but the kids have loved it.”

Samba bands, majorettes, Punjabi Dhol drummers, belly dancing groups, and Kung Fu experts will join the two hour carnival procession, before being joined by 10 groups of carnival performers from across the region.

Performers from Talent Oxford will showcase their skills, and the Ark T Stage will feature local bands, rappers and acoustic artists.

Then on the main stage, during the afternoon and evening The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band will be appearing, alongside acts including The Heavy Dexters, The Empty Vessels, and Secret Rivals, plus DJs and choirs.

Carnival producer Anya Fox said: “There will be more going on for Carnival in the Park than ever before.

“Carnival really is Oxford’s summer party and absolutely unique.

“It’s free, fun and not to be missed.”