THIS year’s Cowley Road Carnival route will be longer than ever before, organisers have pledged.

Plans are being drawn up to extend the procession along the street and into South Park for the first time.

However, the team behind the event – which will be held over the weekend of July 2-3 – has warned money is still needed to put on the carnival in Cowley Road.

The committee said yesterday its appeal for funds had not yet drawn “sufficient financial support” to cover the costs of staging it in the road.

Karen David, who is involved in organising the event, stressed local businesses still needed to put their hands in their pockets to support the carnival.

She said: “We are some way off and we have a meeting next week where we may have to make some very hard decisions.

“We are making every effort with traders and businesses and some are coming forward to help. But a large majority do not feel it is necessary.”

The carnival attracts about 30,000 people and is the city’s biggest outdoor community event.

Planned roadworks in Iffley Road that would have prevented the closure of Cowley Road looked to have scuppered the event earlier this year.

But Oxfordshire Council agreed to alter its plan, which will allow Cowley Road to be closed for the Sunday afternoon.

Now the committee is looking to extend the route for the procession, which could run from Magdalen Road, along Cowley Road, around the park and onto the stage. Anya Fox, procession producer for Cowley Road Carnival, explained how community groups, as well as 13 primary and secondary schools were getting ready for the day.

“All of the performers are getting very excited.

“The creative workshops in schools and community groups are starting in May, when the creations and performance routines will be worked on.

“There are some really creative ideas coming together, and the results will be spectacular.”

The carnival organisers are working with city charity Fusion Arts to organise creative workshops in schools taking part.

Each has an artist and professional dance choreographer working with the children over a six week period in May and June.

Community workshops are also planned.

Daniel Bernstein is a co-ordinator of Carnival Network South East, which helps organise similar events across the country.

He said: “This will be a chance to see a fantastic selection of carnival groups from all over the south east coming together to be part of the procession and to perform on stage in the park.”

Hip hop star Roots Manuva will also appear as part of the Saturday night festivities. Tickets cost £10 and are available from gigantic.com or wegottickets.com.

news@oxfordmail.co.uk If you want to volunteer, donate, sponsor or advertise, call the organisers on 07941 482376.