TRADERS in East Oxford are being called on to dig deep into their pockets to bring carnival fever back to the heart of their community once again.

Organisers of the annual Cowley Road Carnival are on the lookout for businesses to hold fundraisers, become sponsors or concoct new ways of helping the team gather the £133,000 needed to get the show on the road.

It comes as Iffley Road estate agents Chamberlain Evans was named as one of the sponsors of the summer festival set to erupt onto the streets of East Oxford on July 10.

Cowley Road Works executive director Johannah Aynsley, who took over the post from Danielle Battigelli, said: "We are delighted that Chamberlain Evans has decided to sponsor carnival this year – building on their support for 2015.

"Getting funding in place for to secure the future of carnival is vital and we hope this will encourage many more of the East Oxford businesses to support us too."

Chamberlain Evans director Richard Evans said the company, which has been based in Iffley Road for about seven years, wanted to support the festival and give back to the community.

The 40-year-old said previous Cowley Road Carnivals had been "fantastic" and hoped the company’s sponsorship would help bring the same great eclectic mix of food and tunes to the heart of East Oxford this year.

Father-of-two Mr Evans added: "We are immensely pleased to sponsor this premier event.

"Our core area is this area. The Cowley Road Carnival reflects the fantastic diversity and spirit of the area, which we so enjoy working in.

"The carnival is good because you can have food from all over the world and the music is great. There’s a really fantastic atmosphere – the family love it."

Mr Evans encouraged fellow businessmen and women to rise to the occasion and lend their support to the carnival, which last year contributed almost £800,000 to the local economy.

He added: "I think it’s a positive celebration of the area and the diversity and what the area has to offer so I think it’s important that local businesses come out and support it and enjoy the day as well.

"Cowley Road is quite a unique area of Oxford – it has its own vibe. I don’t think there is anything like it."

Tens of thousands of revellers are expected to pour into Cowley Road and nearby streets to celebrate this year’s carnival theme, All the World’s A Stage, commemorating playwright William Shakespeare.

Last year 45,000 merrymakers enjoyed the carnival’s street procession from The Plain towards, as well its nine zones and 16 music sites during the five-hour event.

To get involved see cowleyroadcarnival.co.uk