Fundraising announcement for Cowley Road Carnival comeback
Oxford charity Cowley Road Works has launched a fundraising push for their carnival
Last updated 2nd Jun 2026
Oxford charity Cowley Road Works is announcing a new leadership team, as they launch a fundraising push for their carnival.
Cowley Road Carnival has planned a focused event on Cowley Road on Sunday 20th September 2026.
Organisers say it's a stepping stone for a full carnival comeback on 4th July 2027, subject to final approval and funding.
Rosie Jacobs, Director of Independent Oxford, has been appointed Chair of Trustees, Alan Brown joins as General Manager, and Katy Steele, from Oxford bass music label CruCast, joins as Communications Manager.
Rosie Jacobs said:
“As an East Oxford resident, I’m thrilled to be part of the team bringing back Cowley Road Carnival. It is one of Oxford’s most important civic and cultural spaces, one of the few places where people across age, class, ethnicity and background come together in a shared act of creativity, joy and participation.
"At a time when division and hate are tearing communities apart, Carnival stands for the opposite: unity, celebration, belonging and the richness of Oxford’s diverse communities. Events like this are the frontline in bringing people together and reminding us what connects us as human beings.
Alan Brown said:
"2026 is about creating a tight, well-delivered event that gives us the platform to go bigger and better in 2027. The board is in place, the team is in place, the plan is clear. Some incredibly generous donors have already stepped forward, but if just 20 more people and businesses donated £5,000 each, we would reach the target. Please come and talk to us now."
Charity Cowley Road Works says they need to raise £130,000 by the end of June.