Carnival set for return with new chairman

Cowley Road Works said it was aiming for the carnival to go ahead on 7 July

A popular summer carnival is set to return after five years, following the appointment of a new chairman.

Oxford's Cowley Road Carnival, run by Cowley Road Works (CRW), was postponed during the Covid pandemic and 2023's event was pulled due to a lack of funds.

Roy McEwen, who has previously served as chair of the Caribbean Music Association and the Notting Hill Carnival Trust, was announced as the new CRW chairman.

The charity said it aimed to "be on the streets" on 7 July.

CRW said Roy McEwen would bring "a wealth of expertise to the organisation"

First held in 2001, Cowley Road Carnival attracted tens of thousands of people to its street celebrations each July.

Last year's carnival was scrapped a month before it was due to take place, with organisers blaming increased costs, lower grant income and a financial deadline from contractors.

CRW said Mr McEwen's career was "marked by a passion for carnival arts, technology, and entrepreneurship", which would bring "a wealth of expertise to the organisation".

"Roy is a breath of fresh air in an organisation that has struggled for the last two years," said Pax Nindi, the charity's CEO.

The theme of this year's carnival will be "Our Nature Our Future"

Mr McEwen said the carnival "puts the people of Oxfordshire front and centre".

"[It] provides a platform for artistic expression and a spectacular parade, embodying the true essence of masquerade," he added.

"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."

CRW has begun planning for a carnival on 7 July, with the theme "Our Nature Our Future".