The Hat Gardens Launch Party, taking place on Thursday 18 May from 12-9pm, will feature an exciting programme of entertainment to celebrate its official opening.
Live music from the Revellers Steel Band (12-2pm), a talented saxophonist (3-5pm), and an acoustic singer and guitarist (6-8pm) will keep visitors entertained throughout the day. In addition, guests will have the chance to meet and take photos with the Human Hedges, an amusing garden-themed walkabout act (4-7pm).
Foodies can get their fill at the Bedfordshire Eat Feast, which will be making its first appearance in Luton, offering a mouth-watering street food market open until 9pm.
The excitement continues on Saturday 20 May, at the Hat Gardens Family Fun Day (12-4pm). In addition to more musical entertainment from the Revellers Steel Band, families can enjoy flamingo face-painting, live performances from a floral juggler, and more delicious street food from Bedfordshire Eat Feast.
As part of the launch festival, visitors can also take part in an exclusive heritage lunchtime tour and discover the fascinating history behind Hat Gardens.
The Secrets of Hat Gardens Lunchtime Tour, led by Paul Hammond (Chair of the Luton Heritage Forum) will take place on Thursday 18 & Sunday 21 May from 12pm – 1pm.
Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, leader of Luton Council, said: "We are thrilled to open Hat Gardens to the public, and the launch festival promises to be an exciting event to welcome everyone to see and experience it. So many people responded to our consultation supporting more greenery and opening up the river, so it’s been a privilege for us to deliver it for everyone.”
Hat Gardens is the first pocket park in Luton town centre to open as part of the ’Open Lea Project’. Further plans for opening up the river are in the pipeline, which will result in more of the river flowing through the area creating more waterside space and a green corridor to help improve air quality, biodiversity and flood resilience.
“It’s already been fantastic to see people enjoying the park, so whether you’re joining us on your lunch break or bringing the family along, we hope you all love this new vibrant space.” Cllr Simmons added.
Over the bank holiday weekend, visitors flocked in large numbers to Hat Gardens to enjoy The Big Coronation Movie Lunch. The parks first event has since received many positive comments.
Hat Gardens has also become the proud home of the famous pink flamingos, much to the delight of many local residents. These iconic symbols have returned to Luton, bringing back fond memories for those who used the visit The Mall shopping centre during the 70s-90s.
The opening festival offers a fantastic opportunity for visitors to come and experience the nostalgia of the flamingos, along with the various other fun activities and entertainment on offer.
The
project is receiving up to £958,201 of funding from the England European
Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment
Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities
and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London
Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development
Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund
helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects
which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community
regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
