A SUMMER bonanza which swept over the heart of East Oxford last weekend has been hailed a success by its troupe of organisers.

The Cowley Road Works team is celebrating after claiming last Sunday's Cowley Road Carnival was "even better than ever" after 45,000 revellers indulged in the celebrations.

It comes as organisers revealed volunteers only managed to scoop £8,000 on carnival day but failed to reach their £30,000 fundraising target.

Executive director of Cowley Road Works Johannah Aynsley said: "The aim was to collect £1 at entry from all carnival-goers and we were hoping to raise over £30,000.

"The entry points didn’t happen this year due to a last minute glitch but the volunteers did an amazing job of asking the public to "give a £1 to keep carnival around".

"Next year we will ask everyone to give a £1 and help raise funds to cover at least a fifth of the budget."

It was the first time Ms Aynsley had wandered to Cowley Road to enjoy all the thrills of carnival day, which featured the "most colourful" and largest procession yet.

Tens of thousands lined Cowley Road as more than 800 people representing 37 groups from across the county paraded along the street in a rainbow of colours.

Performers took inspiration from this year's carnival theme All The World's a Stage, commemorating iconic playwright William Shakespeare.

Ms Aynsley added: "The weather came out for carnival and the people followed. There was a great festival atmosphere, full of goodwill, you could tell people were out to enjoy themselves.

"The new stages and enhanced areas helped to ease previous years’ crowding and pinch points and the police were delighted with the ambience and feel of the crowds.

"Thanks to the public for coming down and enjoying our party. It was special to see so many different colours, creeds, ages, languages, families and friends all celebrating life together."

Oxford City Council pledged its support for the festivities with a deal which will see organises handed £30,000 each year for the next three years, covering about one fifth of the annual costs.

Its leader, Bob Price, popped along to the festival with fellow councillors. He said: "It gets bigger and better every year. The city council is delighted to give the carnival core funding support for three years. We see this is becoming the biggest summer festival for years to come. It is so full of colour and enjoyment, food and culture that we can showcase to the world."

Thames Valley Police also revealed officers were pleased the five-hour celebrations ran smoothly and praised the hassle-free management from organisers.

East Oxford Neighbourhood Acting Sergeant Neil Bouse said: "It was good to see people from a variety of backgrounds together enjoying themselves. Thank you to the volunteers who gave up their time into making the event successful."