COWLEY Road will once again play host to a colourful procession under plans revealed by the organisers of Oxford’s biggest free public event.

The Cowley Road Works charity has pledged to return the East Oxford carnival to its spiritual home as part of a two day celebration in July – provide it can raise the money.

Last year the annual summer carnival took place in South Park, and traders were asked to contribute to the estimated £150,000 cost to move the carnival back to Cowley Road.

Businesses wanted a guarantee the carnival would return to Cowley Road before they contributed.

And last night the organising committee revealed detailed proposals – subject to funding – which will see the cosmopolitan street once again take centre stage.

Cowley Road Works spokesman Laura Dolphin said: “We are planning to deliver a programme that encompasses Cowley Road and South Park in a single community-focused event.

“We are looking forward to seeing Cowley Road buzzing with the sound systems, performers and street events that Carnival attracts.”

Under the proposals, Cowley Road will be closed to traffic from Magdalen Road to The Plain roundabout on Sunday, July 4. That closure will unlock £7,500 of funds from the council’s East Area Parliament.

A Wacky Races event and procession will fill the street, which will also have music sound systems, traders’ stalls and street performers.

A simultaneous event, also including a procession, will take place in South Park.

Music stages, roving performers and creative workshops will also be seen in the park.

A ticketed music concert to be held in South Park the night before will raise an estimated £25,000 towards the event’s final costs.

Cowley Road Works said it had raised £1,000 of the expected £25,000 of traders contributions for the event, and last night it renewed appeals for financial help from local businesses.

Last year, Abdul-Halim Shorkar, owner of the First Floor Restaurant, spent more than £2,500 to put a marquee in the park. He said: “The event is getting bigger and better so it all sounds very exciting.”

The carnival normally attracts 30,000 revellers each year. This year’s theme will be Invention.

Despite the detailed plans the whole event is subject to receiving enough funding. Organisers hope to pick up £17,500 in grants from the city and county councils and £5,000 from corporate sponsors – and are bidding for £50,000 from the Arts Council.