Civic leaders backed Cowley Road Carnival bosses after they switched the date from July to September.

The east Oxford celebration was due to go ahead on Sunday, July 7 - with the event filling the street for the first time in five years.

Now organisers have postponed the celebrations until Sunday, September 1 as they seek more time to organise the big day which in the past has attracted up to 50,000 people.

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"A September carnival is better than no carnival at all," said Anna Railton, the city council's deputy leader and cabinet member for a Zero Carbon Oxford.

"Everyone wants to see the carnival back - it's a genuine shame that it has not gone ahead in recent years.

Oxford Mail: Cowley Road Carnival"The city council is right behind the carnival and now there is a chance to build momentum in advance of September 1."

The carnival was cancelled at short notice last year due to a funding shortfall of £20,000, and has not been staged in the street since 2019.

Lord Mayor Mike Rowley said: "The most important thing is that it goes ahead so if the organisers need more time let's give them more time.

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"It's a great event for east Oxford and the whole of Oxford - I hope everyone will get behind it."

Oxford Mail: Cowley Road CarnivalFelix Joyce, spokeswoman for Cowley Road Works, which is organising the carnival, said organisers including chairman Roy McEwen decided to switch to the September 1 date to ensure the event went smoothly.

She added: "It is a break with tradition but Cowley Road Works are confident it will work.

"The extra time will mean we can make sure we get it absolutely right - make sure it flows properly."

Our Nature Our Future is the theme of  this year's carnival procession.

Artistic director Pax Nindi said: "This year features eco-friendly floats in the procession and use of recycled materials for costume-making, encouraging sustainability.

Oxford Mail: Cowley Road Carnival"We are serious about green issues in creativity; we are working with BMW Mini plant apprentices curating carnival artistry, which is all eco-friendly."

The carnival will be launched with an event on Sunday, July 7, followed by another community event on August 4.

Festival organisers said: "The festivities commence with an array of events, including a media launch, a carnival dining experience, and a series of lively after parties.

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"This launch event will set the tone for a summer filled with music, dance, and community spirit, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Cowley Road and its surroundings."

Shops and restaurants can benefit from a boost in trade on the big day.

Turkish restaurant Antep Kitchen is one of the businesses now planning for September 1.

A member of staff said: "People really enjoy the carnival - we are looking forward to it."

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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