22/05/2024 - Everything you need to know before Luton’s biggest ever weekend

“BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend is set to bring positive exposure to Luton as tens of thousands of visitors descend on our town and millions tune in online and on television. This builds on the positive exposure Luton Town Football Club has generated over the last year.

“It’s amazing to see the set up in Stockwood Park taking shape, and I know there are thousands of local people who have secured tickets for this monumental event.”

Councillor James Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth, said: “While the event will be brilliant for Luton, and will give a massive boost to businesses across the town, an event of this scale will also mean disruption and inconvenience for people, especially those living near the park and town centre. And we sincerely apologise for this.

“We have been working hard to minimise this disruption as much as possible, so please take careful note of the information below in relation to road closures, diversions and the residential protection zone.

“Holding an event like this in Luton will not only give a multi-million pound boost to Luton’s economy and businesses, it’s providing a number of opportunities for local people through volunteering, skills, work experience and community outreach activity.

“Even if you don’t have ticket for the Big Weekend, there will be so much happening in Luton this weekend. So come out, support your local businesses and let’s enjoy what will be an incredible few days. And don’t forget the carnival is on Monday.”

Whether you’re attending the event or not, Luton is buzzing beyond the festival. Step Forward Luton have all the details on after-parties, events, watch parties and other happenings in the town across the weekend. Everyone’s invited. Find out more at place.stepforwardluton.co.uk/plan-your-visit.

There are still a number of car parking spaces available to book for the event, with lit and clear walking routes to the festival. Click here to find a parking space.

A number of roads in the vicinity of Stockwood Park and the Town Centre will be closed throughout the weekend. In almost all cases the roads will only be able to be accessed by emergency vehicles and residents with an RPZ permit (see below). Anyone else will be denied entry and told to turn back.

Residents on Farley Hill Road and Chapel Street will need to remove their cars from the road before 10am on Friday as this is one of the main roads used for festival-goers getting to Stockwood Park. 

Some roads close to Stockwood Park have been placed in a RPZ to ensure minimal disruption to residents and their parking. 

If you live in the RPZ, you will need to apply for a permit to access your road during the weekend. You will only need this if you plan on taking your car out of the RPZ and then re-entering that weekend. You may apply for up to 3 cars at one address, these can include visitors.

Several hundred Luton Rising Festival Makers will welcome over 100,000 visitors to the town and will play an important role in the running of the event, welcoming visitors, guiding them along routes to the event, and providing advice and directions to travellers.

The volunteers have completed their training covering health and safety, customer service and communication and are ready and excited to be part of this weekend and to show off our wonderfully vibrant town. We want those visiting to remember the skilled, knowledgeable, and friendly volunteers that helped bring this event to life.

We hope the Luton Rising Festival Makers enjoy the experience and relish the opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and develop valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

During the event, if you experience any issues and would like to contact the team, including noise or traffic issues, please call the dedicated helpline: 020 3781 7164.

Please note that this hotline is for local residents and issues outside of the event. If you are at the festival, you should visit the safeguarding tent or flag down a member of the event staff.

This line will be operational:

The 48th Luton International Carnival will take place on Monday 27 May from 12pm to 6pm. Some roads on the parade route will be closed.

Click here to find out more about the carnival, or here to learn about road closures for the carnival.