Special Events

Carnival!

Luton's major annual event usually takes place at the end of May or early June. With great music, parades and dancing it is the UK's biggest one day carnival and attracts over 100000 people. it really is a colourful showcase of the rich cultural diversity of our town! See the links below for more information.

Carnival Info on the council website

Luton at Large magazine have a great PDF you can download

St George's Day - April

Luton holds an annual celebration of St George the patron saint of England. This normally takes place on St George's square or in Wardown Park. Celebrations take place late April on a weekend near the official day on the 23rd April.

Luton Mela

This traditional Asian festival usually takes place around August. Usually the festival is held in Wardown park but has also been held in the town center as part of the summer festival.

Luton Mela

Harpenden Carnival

Luton's neighbor Harpenden usually have their carnival on the third Sunday of May. There is a themed procession thorough the streets and entertainment in the park. Entrance to the park is charged (about £4) but it is a great day out. Stunt shows, classic cars, craft fairs are all part of the fun!

Carnival Info on the Harpenden Round Table website

St Patrick's Celebrations - March

Luton has a large Irish community and many Irish pubs in South Luton so celebrating St Patrick's day in Luton is bound to be something special. There is usually a Parade, Market in the town Centre and Irish bands to play folk songs on Market Hill.
Look out for pubs like the Vine in Castle street who unusually hire a marquee for the event. Most local pubs in and around Castle street will have something on, although the main events are usually at: Club Erin, Macs Bar, The painters arms, Silver Lion, Bisot Mill and Four Horseshoes.
The Arndale is also filled with the sound of Irish music and cheer.
The event usually takes place during a week in mid March

Luton Irish Forum the founder of the event

Luton Festival of Transport - June

In June the Chiltern Vehicle Preservation Group hold the Luton Festival of Transport at Stockwood Park. This is a huge event with over 1000 vehicles including classic cars, motorcycles, busses and other interesting road vehicles. Entry is usually around £3.00 for adults £1.00 for children.

Luton Festival of Transport

Luton Beer Festival

It's back! The Luton Beer Festival is held in the new High Town Community Sports and Arts Center in mid February. You will be able to sample some of the many real ales and real ciders on offer! There is live music on some days, great products and an opportunity to join CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale). See their website for times, dates and prices.

Dunstable Tudor festival - November

Every year Dunstable celebrates it history by holding a Tudor Festival! With the town's association with king Henry VIII you can be sure to meet all his six wives and Henry himself as you loose yourself in older times.

Look out for this event in late November.

Luton Lights! - November

Lutons Christmas lights go up and to mark the occasion there is a Christmas craft market and fair ground attractions! All culminates with a fireworks show to mark the switching on of the lights.

Luton Fireworks - November

Every Year in November the council holds a fireworks display in Popes Meadow. This very popular event takes place near early November to coincide with Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night

Filmstock

Filmstock is Luton's international film festival. This happens in June check their website below for this years dates.