In the year 2000, things on the Cowley Road were not looking good.  Shops were closing, businesses struggling and a vibrant, diverse community was under threat.  Something had to change.

The turning point came with the arrival of 'East Oxford Action'.  Working with local groups & individuals, the regeneration of the area began and the results soon started to show.  The Cowley Road was getting its groove back, and what better way to celebrate things getting better – and bring everyone together - than a party?!  The Cowley Road Carnival was born!

The first Carnival, in 2001, had humble beginnings.  Permission to close the Cowley Road was refused, so the event was held just off of the main road, on Manzil Way.  The location may have been small, but the crowd was big, with 5,000 people coming to enjoy the fun!  Already, it was clear that the Carnival was destined to grow & flourish….

By 2002, big developments had already taken place.  A Carnival Coordinator had been recruited & trained; the experienced events company, 'Continental Drifts', was put in charge of the production; permission was finally granted for the Cowley Road to close for the duration of the procession; and Manzil Gardens was established as the venue for the main stage.  Carnival, as we know it today, was taking shape – very healthily!

2003 was the first year that we had a full procession.  It was also the year that the event was consolidated, thanks to the support of the City Council, the Arts Council and the first of our corporate sponsors - the Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-operative (now Midcounties Co-operative).  This arrangement meant a 3 year deal for the Carnival.

In 2004, a breakthrough happened - we were granted permission to completely close the Cowley Road for the whole of the Carnival, not just the procession!  This completely transformed the event and created an amazing vibe!

Carnival numbers had increased massively by 2005, with 25,000 people filling the Cowley Road.  A grant from the Urban Cultural Programme (via Oxford Inspires) allowed us to plan a much larger event, with a longer run-up.  This extra time, leading up to the Carnival, gave us an opportunity to do more with the local community, to further involve them in the event.  One example is the workshops we ran for local young people & schools, which resulted in spectacular costumes on the day.

We took a break from the Carnival in 2006, deciding to run a food-focused event instead, without the procession.  The event went back to its roots, relying on performers playing for free and local businesses sponsoring large parts of the event - in addition to our lead sponsor, BMW Group Plant Oxford.  This proved to be hugely successful and we were delighted with the response.

Last year, in 2007 - to mark 1000 years of Oxfordshire, and thanks again to generous funding from BMW, Oxford City Council and others - the full Carnival was back, complete with procession!

And, as the 2008 Carnival approaches, expect things to be even bigger and better!  The Cowley Road is a story worth celebrating, and we're going to do it in style!