06/03/2026 - Luton Council announces year-long programme of events, including a massive outdoor music event, to celebrate 150 years of borough status

One of the first major events of the year, St George’s Day on Saturday 25 April, will have a distinctive historical theme, with a Victorian-era market coming to Market Hill to commemorate the period in which Luton became a borough. The event has been made possible through sponsorship from Luton Rising, the Luton Council company that owns London Luton Airport and associated assets for community benefit.

For car enthusiasts and history lovers, the Luton Made: Vauxhall exhibition will launch in May at Stockwood Discovery Centre. The exhibition, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will explore the important role Vauxhall and Luton’s industrial heritage played throughout the 20th century. It forms part of a wider project that has collected artefacts, photographs and oral histories from Lutonians and former Vauxhall workers, helping to preserve and share their stories for future generations.

The council’s popular summer events programme will also return, featuring three live music events in the town centre. Following last year’s success, Beats & Bites in the Hat District and Market Hill Live will both return, alongside a brand new event, Funk ‘n’ Soul, showcasing jazz, soul, blues and funk artists performing in the Hat District.

As the summer draws to a close in September, the celebrations will continue with two new music events in Stockwood Park, taking place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September. Luton Rising presents: Luton 150 Party in the Park, on the Saturday, will feature a mix of local and national performers alongside food and drink stalls and family entertainment. This is set to be the biggest party of the year, with well-known artists taking the stage for an audience of around 10,000 people.

The following day, Luton Rising presents: Proms in the Park Luton will showcase local performers from Luton Music Service, who are celebrating their 80th anniversary this year, presenting a varied musical programme culminating in classics from Last Night of the Proms. Ticket information for both events will be released in the spring.

Both events have been made possible by sponsorship from the council’s airport company, Luton Rising.

Cllr Simmons said: “2026 is a significant year in Luton’s history, and our events programme reflects the pride we have in our town and its people. Residents have told us they want to see more live music and heritage events, and this programme delivers just that.

“As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Luton’s borough status, we are also celebrating the people, places and stories that make Luton what it is today. At the same time, we are looking ahead, with continued investment in the town centre and beyond to ensure Luton remains a great place to live and work for the next 150 years.”

Councillor Javeria Hussain, Vice-Chair of Luton Rising, said: “Luton Rising is proud to be supporting and helping to deliver many of the fantastic events taking place throughout this special 150^th anniversary year. Our contribution will build on Luton’s already much-loved events programme helping to make this year’s celebrations even more memorable for our community. We are pleased to join in with our communities to celebrate 150 years of borough status — a proud moment for our town and a testament to our shared commitment to Luton’s future.”

The council’s events programme will also be supported by other local celebrations. Luton International Carnival is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year and will return to its original location of Wardown Park on Sunday 24 May, thanks to its headline sponsor, Luton Rising. Luton BID, Luton Point and Luton Heritage Forum are a few of many partners also organising events to celebrate Luton 150 this year.

The full list of events and activities taking place this year can be found on the Step Forward Luton website.