Street carnival to return after five years
An annual summer carnival is to return for the first time since the pandemic.
Oxford's Cowley Road Carnival, which attracts tens of thousands of people, was not held during the Covid pandemic and took a further break last year due to financial funding.
Organisers said they were "thrilled" to announce their "triumphant" return on 1 September.
This year's event is embracing a theme called, "Our Nature, Our Future", which aims to focus on environmental sustainability.
The carnival has been run by Cowley Road Works (CRW) for more than 20 years and is funded by Oxford City Council and Arts Council England.
This year organisers said: "We are ready to make a significant impact and commitment to sustainability."
Carnival goers are being encouraged to use recycled materials for their outfits, ensuring that creativity does not come at the expense of the environment.
They are also being urged to plan for the sustainable disposal of materials post-carnival.
Artistic director Pax Nindi said: "This year, we will continue with the use of eco-friendly floats for the procession and recycled materials for costume-making, as well as encourage sustainability."
He added: "In line with our theme, we are committed to promoting sustainable practices throughout the carnival - our programming reflects this dedication."
One of the first steel bands to come to the UK from Trinidad in celebration of the Festival of Britain will perform at this years event, celebrating 60 years on the road.
the band will perform on stage and during the procession, playing without the use of a float - emphasising the commitment to sustainability.
An event highlight will be the carnival house floats, where residents and businesses are asked to transform their homes and properties throughout the month of August, with a judging panel selecting the best design a week before.
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