In a city which has such a diverse ethnic and socio-economic population, Oxford’s annual Cowley Road Carnival is an important event which brings people from across all sectors together to celebrate and share their rich cultural mix.

The event provides an opportunity to showcase and develop musical and artistic talents of all ages and origins, to share food from around the world, and to raise the profile of the many small businesses, community and arts organisations, and places of worship in and around the area.

35,000 people attended Cowley Road Carnival on July 7, 2013, over 600 people of all ages took part in the carnival procession, and there were over 100 different performances.

One of the children who took part in the procession said: “I had a great time and it was fun seeing everyone out cheering for us”.

Moses Griffith, a stallholder spoke about the event positively: “Loved it — the connections with the people, it’s an absolute melee of fun, sunshine and laughter”.

Bob Price, leader of Oxford City Council, said the carnival was “a wonderful community event, transforming the road with colour, music and enjoyment”.

Danielle Battigelli, festival director, explains: “Carnival is not a one-day event. Detailed planning has already begun for carnival on Sunday, July 6, 2014, and preparations are underway for associated music, dance and creative making projects in the preceding months, working with schools, community groups and partner organisations. A Carnival Friends group is being developed to give ideas, inspiration and feedback, and to help with pre-carnival events.

“With a fundraising target of £110,000 for the year’s work, and a small core team, there is much to do and the contribution of volunteers is vital, on the big day and all year round.”

A full calendar of events is currently being planned from January until July, to raise essential funds, build up the momentum towards carnival, and provide more opportunities for performers, venues and others to be part of the carnival community.

Tickets are now on sale for a Cocktail Masterclass and salsa evening at Bar Aroma on Cowley Road in January, and other events and challenges will be announced soon.

Volunteers are needed for the pre Carnival events and other fundraising initiatives, to contribute their skills and experience to the preparations generally, and to help at the event itself. For more information, please visit www.cowleyroadcarnival.co.uk and sign up to the monthly e-newsletter; like the Cowley Road Carnival Facebook Page; follow @cowleycarnival on Twitter; or email fundraising@cowleyroadworks.org