Join us in The Black Swan garden on Sunday 5th July for a day of music and carnival vibes. Expect a proper summer sound: Soca, soulful house, drum and bass, grime, 140 and more.

Street food from Dutch n Such, serving authentic Jamaican street food, known for its bold, vibrant flavours and comforting, slow-simmered dishes.

The Lord Mayor, Chewe Munkonge, will be opening the event at 2 pm.

Line up includes:

Garvin Dan
Garvin Dan is a Trinidad & Tobago born DJ, proudly representing the home of calypso, soca, and carnival culture. Bringing that unmistakable carnival spirit to every set, his sound is rooted in vibrant soca rhythms and classic calypso energy.
A regular on the Oxford scene, Garvin Dan has built a strong reputation for uplifting, community driven sessions. His performances at Cowley Road Carnival over the years have been a standout, delivering high-energy sets that capture the true essence of Caribbean culture.
Wherever he plays, Garvin Dan brings the heat, colour, and rhythm of carnival to the dancefloor.

Simple and DJ G
Simple has been promoting underground electronic music in Oxford since 1999.
Founded by Nick Gladwin, Simple is one of Oxford's longest-running independent music brands, bringing internationally respected artists, emerging talent and music lovers together on Cowley Road for more than 25 years.
As a long-standing part of the Cowley Road community, Simple is proud to support the Cowley Road Carnival fundraiser and help celebrate the creativity, diversity and community spirit that make East Oxford so special.
Joining the event is DJ G, Simple's resident Carnival DJ and a respected figure within Oxford's music scene. A familiar face on dancefloors across the city, DJ G has helped soundtrack numerous Cowley Road celebrations over the years and is known for bringing people together through quality music, positive energy and a strong connection to the local community.

Rosie Raves
Rosie delivers high-energy DNB and jungle, infused with influences from UK G, soul and R&B. Expect rolling basslines, uplifting vocals and dancefloor mixes from the likes of Lens, Kritikal, Brookes Brothers, Dillinja, 4am Kru and Harriet Jaxxon. A passionate advocate for community, inclusivity and female representation in electronic music, Rosie brings people together through the positive energy of rave.

Peppers
Peppers; Kemastry & King Boyden - high energy UK bass / grime. Classic 140 bpm UK bass music combined with a mix of forefront production and skilful flows. Expect heavy drops, guest appearances and wheel ups guaranteed.

Katalyst
The spotlight has firmly turned to Katalyst’s production, which has received strong support from BBC Radio 1 tastemakers including Jeremiah Asiamah, Charlie Tee and Jaguar. Alongside national radio play, she has delivered guest mixes for both the BBC Radio 1 Drum & Bass Show and BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Heartless Crew show, showcasing her versatility and deep understanding of the sound across formats. This momentum continued with her three-part mix series Selection Sessions, created in collaboration with Data Transmission.
Beyond studio output, Katalyst has built a formidable reputation as a DJ, delivering standout sets at iconic venues and festivals such as Drumsheds, Outlook and Glastonbury. Her music has been widely embraced by the drum & bass community, reflecting both her adaptability and commanding presence behind the decks.
Katalyst has further refined her craft through a mentorship with EQ50 and Ram Records, alongside a growing catalogue of releases. Highlights include a collaboration with Deekline and work with respected vocalists such as Natty Campbell, Madrush MC and Mad Sam, resulting in releases on labels including Jungle Cakes, Jungle Mania and Dubshotta.
Known for her dark, techy jungle sound, Katalyst blends elements of ragga and grime while staying deeply rooted in her lifelong love of drum & bass and jungle. Driven, uncompromising and constantly evolving, she continues to push her sound forward and cement her place as one of the genre’s most exciting artists.

Count Skylarkin
An East Oxford resident of some 20-odd years, Count Skylarkin is proud to have played at every Cowley Road Carnival since its inception in 2001, during which time it has expanded to become one of the biggest street festivals in the UK. His stand outside The Bullingdon is consistently the busiest sound system at Carnival.
These days probably busier than he’s ever been, when he’s not racking up motorway and air miles gigging across Britain and the world, Count Skylarkin is the creator and curator of the critically-acclaimed Big Ten Inch and Skylarkin' Soundsystem club nights in London and Oxford.
“A true unsung hero” David Rodigan, BBC Radio
“Probably Ireland’s best-kept secret” Zone Magazine

Doors at 2 pm - 9 pm.

Every ticket you buy goes directly toward making a September event happen.

Cowley Road Carnival has been part of this neighbourhood for 40 years. The Carnival is free to attend, community-led, and unlike anything else in Oxford.

Adult tickets from £8 in advance.

Children welcome but under 18s must be accompanied by an adult and have a ticket.