ORGANISERS of the resurgent Cowley Road Carnival have called on businesses to put their hands in their pockets if they want it back in the street again next year.

About 35,000 people turned out to take part in and watch the event, following a three-year absence from its usual home.

But despite jubilant scenes from revellers and an abundance of colour and fun, organisers had to beg and scrape to cover costs.

Carnival trustee Zaheer Qureshi said despite some shops raking in “thousands” on the day, many did not pay to help put the event on.

Mr Qureshi said: “I saw some businesses taking lots of money – pubs, clubs and shops – but still some don’t want to put their hands in their pockets to help us out.

“If Oxford City Council and BMW, the Oxford MINI Plant, hadn’t helped us, it wouldn’t have gone ahead.

“The race is already on for next year.

“Two months ago we were worried, struggling, but it came together.

“Even if people don’t go into shops, tens of thousands will have seen where they are and may go back and give them trade another day.”

A review of the carnival will now take place and the city council will give input into what can be done to make next year’s event better.

The last carnival, in 2011, took place in South Parks. The organisers do not want the event to return to there, but admitted the costs are significantly cheaper.

Mr Qureshi added: “In the park it’s half the price, but people love it here.

“If everyone attending gave £1 we’d have £35,000 right off to go into the pot, but sadly it doesn’t work like that.”

He estimated businesses could take up to £5,000 from the event.

Stallholder fees range from £30 for community groups to £500 for outdoor food traders. Some, including the Ultimate Picture Palace and G&Ds, gave between £100 and £300, but others declined.

Christian Buthariu, 35, head chef and manager at Verde Pizzeria, said: “Business wasn’t that different for us at the carnival – I’m not sure we would pay more to help.

“I think more should be done generally to help local businesses throughout the year than just a one-day carnival, so I don’t think they should be asking for more money.”

Janet Xuan, manager of Jing Jing Oriental Food Store, added: “The carnival didn’t bring any more people into my shop. But it’s quite a good event and I would consider supporting it next year.”

Co-organiser Karen David said: “We are in the process of gathering together everything from the event. Everyone had such a great time and it was a great day.

“A lot will feel they could have done more this time, but next year is for that. It could be that the success surprised a lot.”

City councillor for Iffley Fields Elise Benjamin said: “A lot depends on the will of the organisers to ensure it does stay in Cowley Road as that will provide confidence for businesses to invest next year.”

In March, Oxford City Council stepped in with a £30,000 grant and a contractual agreement to give the same amount for three years.

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Paul Smith said there were no plans for County Hall to provide funding.

More pictures at oxfordmail.co.uk/news/pictures