11/05/2023 - Luton International Carnival to take place on Sunday 28 May
Luton International Carnival hosts its 47th parade day full of fun for people of all ages with Luton Town centre filled with a procession of colourful costumes, music, and dancing for thousands to enjoy.
They will again be joined by Luton Council’s Chief Executive in full carnival costume, and welcome carnival groups and giant carnival puppets from across the UK. The day will also feature Luton born actor, Colin Salmon’s youth steel band, UFO.
Robin Porter, Chief Executive of Luton Council, said: “It was a joy to see the carnival and crowds return to Luton’s streets last year after a two-year absence caused by the pandemic. It is a wonderful ‘feel good’ event which shows off Luton’s rich diversity, colour and sense of fun. The carnival is truly for everyone, bringing together as it does, people from across the town, generations and communities. Having personally participated last year I am looking forward to doing so once again and encourage anyone who enjoys a great atmosphere to come along at the end of the month.”
Just one of the parade highlights to watch out for is a giant cycle squid and a mini float made of recycled materials demonstrating UKCCA’s journey to creating a sustainable event which we aim to deliver by 2030. This will all come together to create what promises to be an amazing day to be enjoyed by all!
Councillor Javeria Hussain, Chair of the Board of Directors of Luton Rising, said: “Luton Rising is delighted to be able to support this important event in the town’s calendar. Not only does it give different communities the opportunity to showcase their vibrancy and culture, and it creates a positive feeling for the whole town as we rub shoulder-to-shoulder with each other. Participants and spectators alike can’t fail but to be caught up in the rhythms and sounds of this fantastic event for all the family.”
The spectacular Luton International Carnival Parade will begin on Park Street in front of the University of Bedfordshire’s STEM Building. The parade will be launched at 1pm by the Mayor of Luton, the Chair of Luton Rising, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire and the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.
Also, part of the festivities; there will be pre-parade family entertainment from 12pm at the two performance areas at St George’s Square and The Hat District. There will be a fantastic line up of roaming dinosaurs, live steel pan performances, and interactive dance activities with Next Generation Youth Theatre and new to carnival, an immersive storytelling area in the Hat Factory, which will begin at 11am with a session to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
With more to be announced, keep up to date with all the latest on Luton Carnival visit UK Centre for Carnival Arts’ website: https://www.carnivalarts.org.uk/
Luton International Carnival is supported by Primary Sponsor Luton Rising. Other sponsors: Luton Town Football Club Community Trust, Luton Town Football Club, Luton BID, TUI, Taylor Wimpey, Valicity Care Services, Tesco, Gentian Events and BT Events.