MERRYMAKERS will prove All The World’s A Stage when they gather in their thousands at this summer’s Cowley Road Carnival.

Organisers of the annual fiesta have announced the heart of East Oxford will be transformed into a Shakespearian paradise on July 10.

Exotic costumes and theatrical performances inspired by communities across the globe are set to steal the spotlight when revellers line the streets to gaze at the carnival procession.

This year’s theme, which is based on a line from William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, will also mark the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death.

Carnival procession coordinator and leader Anya Fox said: “It’s a great theme as it can not only be used literally for inspiration, gleaning lots of ideas from Shakespeare’s vast catalogue of works, but also you can take it ‘as you like it’.

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“On carnival day, the Cowley Road becomes its own world stage, with people from all kinds of backgrounds, faiths and nationalities taking part in the event to show our city what they are all about.

“We are very excited about this year’s theme and can’t wait to see what the different groups will make of it. Will there be tiny Romeos and Juliets romancing down the road, beside Hamlet and his court? Perhaps we’ll have lots of jazz hands or street dancing alongside one of our amazing carnival bands.”

Cowley Road Works, the team behind the event, is now on the hunt for performers of all ages to parade their talents during the carnival’s vibrant street procession.

Almost 800 people, who were representing more than 30 groups from right across the county, marched from The Plain to St Mary and St John Church last year.

Su Frizzell, also known as Groovy Su of Toctok Community Arts, said she hoped to win funding to work with Blackbird Leys schools and bring a taste of Trinidad to the carnival. She added: “The carnival is a fantastic opportunity for schools and community groups to promote themselves in the most dramatic and colourful way.

“For the children it is particularly wonderful as they have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and then have a huge sense of achievement processing in front of the crowds in Cowley Road.

“I’m looking forward to this year’s theme and seeing how this part of our literary history inspires the children.”

Larkrise Primary School pupil Chiara Walker will perform in the carnival procession alongside fellow classmates this year.

The five-year-old said: “I’m excited about this year’s carnival. It’s nice to be with my friends.”

More than 450 people performed across the carnival’s 16 music sites last year, which were enjoyed by crowds of 45,000.

To get involved with the procession, email Anya Fox at procession@cowleyroadworks.org