Our focus is on building bridges between communities facing divides and narrowing the gap between pockets of disadvantage and privilege in Oxford. The annual Cowley Road Carnival has the power to foster inclusion and engage those who face hardship in the most challenging areas.

We spearhead projects with some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the community. Our recent and current work is with cultural and disability groups, schools and youth services, women affected by FGM, young people with learning disabilities, children in the care system and child refugees in Oxford.

The Cowley Road Carnival pulsates with rhythm, colour, performance, dance, art, creativity and most of all, full on joie de vivre as the East Oxford  community comes together in celebration. 

The day brings together all the disparate groups and individuals from the many different ethnicities, heritage, and roots in one huge inclusive day packed with things to do, to watch and to enjoy.

Carnival sees the culmination of much of our year’s work in the community and it acts as a catalyst for our creative output. Each year we set a theme as the springboard for our creative output. For 2026 Carnival day will be on Sunday 20th September as a stepping stone to bringing Carnival back to Sunday 4th July in 2027.