The Cowley Road area has played a prominent part in the Oxford music scene. A number of successful bands made their formative performances in local venues such as the
O2 Academy Oxford (formerly known as
The Zodiac), and The Bullingdon (formerly The Art Bar). A house party on the Cowley Road was the site to the UK band
Foals' first ever gig. Famous Oxford bands have included
Supergrass,
Radiohead and
Ride. Cowley Road is also home to the Cowley Road Carnival, an annual event when the road is pedestrianised, and which features live music, static sound systems, a parade, and food from around the world. Cowley Road Carnival became an integral part of contemporary Oxford. Held on the first Sunday in July it celebrated the multicultural diversity of the city and regularly attracted around 50,000 visitors. The
COVID-19 pandemic caused cancellation of the street carnival and in 2022 the organisers announced closure of the Carnival. After a 5 year break, the carnival returned in 2024, taking place on the 1st of September. ==See also==