News Archive 2004

22/03/2005 Hat Factory to host an evening with lloyd Ryan and LYPO

The Luton Youth Percussion Orchestra (LYPO) is hosting an evening of entertainment alongside drumming legend - Lloyd Ryan at the hat Factory! The event will take place on Tuesday 22nd March.
Tickets cost £6 and £5 for conc. and are available by emailing hatfactory@luton.gov.uk or by phoning 01582 878100 or by visiting the Hat Factory. All proceeds will go back into funding future projects within the Luton Music Service.

Visit the Luton Youth Music website here

30/12/2004 Please help those effected by the Tsunami Earthquake

Luton Borough Council's Library Theatre has asked the cast of Cinderella to put on an extra performance on Sunday evening, 2 January 2005 to raise much needed money to support the Tsunami earthquake appeal.
Tickets for the extra performance of Cinderella on Sunday, 2 January at 6.30pm, cost £9, concessions £7.50 and are available from the Library Theatre box office on 01582 547474 or 878100.
If you can't go to the show you might consider donating to the DEC Tsunami Earthquake Appeal either on the web at the address below or calling 0870 60 60 900.

Tsunami Earthquake Appeal

11/12/2004 New Sci-Fi stall fills the void!

It was sad to see the departure of Offworld, the movie and sci-fi memorabilia stall at the Luton Arndale market a few months ago. But now a new force has landed: Parallel Worlds. Visit their stall today and marvel at the life size Dalek and Cyberman! Will Parallel Worlds be as good as Offworld was, I guess only the Time-Lord can tell!

Visit their site here

11/12/2004 The greatest words ever spoken!

Luton council are looking for the greatest words ever spoken! These are to be inscribed on the wall of the main passenger arrivals at Luton Airport. If you have a contribution for the Greatest Words initiative visit the official website here:

Greatest Words Website

09/12/2004 Army Days!

Read the accounts of a Luton Soldier: Bill Hawksford has written a set of delightful stories about his days in the army!

Click Here

27/11/2004 It's true - Santa is from Luton!

After a grueling contest in Sweden one man emerged as the true Santa! Ron Horniblew from the Luton Arndale was made the worlds best Santa! Ron faced fierce competition from competitors from Russia, Estonia, Spain, France, Denmark and Sweden. All competitors for the title had to train reindeer, wrap presents and drive a sleigh. They also had to climb down a chimney. Shout Luton congratulates Ron and would like to let Ron know that we have been good all year! You can visit Ron at his grotto in the Arndale Centre.

27/11/2004 Shout Luton remembers Arthur Hailey.

Not many people knew that one of the world's best selling authors was born in Luton. Arthur Hailey emigrated to Canada at the age of 14 and went on to write some of the worlds most popular novels including: Hotel, Airport, Wheels, The Moneychangers and Strong Medicine.
Sadly Arthur Hailey died in his sleep this week at his home in New Providence in the Bahamas.

27/11/2004 Tarrant on Luton

Chris Tarrant (of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire fame) was spotted in town this week, he is filming an historic series for ITV. See the show on Thursday 2nd December at 7:30pm.

21/11/2004 Luton Lights up the sky!

Its officially Christmas in Luton - today at 5:15pm the Christmas lights in the town centre were turned on and a celebratory fireworks display lit up the sky above George's Square!

20/11/2004 I'm Henry the Eighth I am, I am!

Don't miss an audience with the King and his six wives at Dunstable's tudor festival on Saturday! The day begins as Henry's court arrive at Priory House at 10am and is followed by events all day including: talks, walks and demonstrations. There will also be tudor shops for that medieval bargain!

Visit the official site here!

19/11/2004 Denbigh High school highly praised!

Ofsted inspectors have deemed the school as one of the most successful in the country! Key to the school success was the leadership of headteacher Yasmin Bevan and her team of governors, managers and teachers.

04/11/2004 Show your Love for Luton on Thursday!

Sam Jordison standing in front of a particularly appropriate banner! (possibly with a little Photoshopping by Hull residents)

Join the lively debate at the Luton Central Library on Thursday (4th November 7:30pm) and stand up for your town! Entrance is only £1!
In a surprise revelation it seems that the Editor of "Crap Towns" loves Luton!
The man who dubbed Luton "the worst town in the country" wants to help knock the town off the top spot.
Sam Jordison, editor of the PanMacmillan publication "Crap Towns 2", said
today,"I realise that Luton doesn't want the 'Crap Town Label'. Trust in Luton have been doing excellent work with their football club and their community, which is why I've signed up as a member and why I've donated £250 to support them."
He went on, "I can't wait to attend the "I Love Luton Evening" to see what Lutonians really think about the town."
Sam will be speaking at the "I Love Luton" evening on Thursday 4th November at Luton Central Library. The night is a great chance for people in Luton to debate why they love the town and work on what can be done to improve the town.
Sam's generous donation will be used to support Trust in Luton's work, which currently includes plans to assist with funding the Junior Hatters Christmas Party, where they are hoping to supply goody bags to Luton Town's young fans.
Trust in Luton are also working closely with the club's Football in the
Community department to launch coaching schemes all over the area, including half-day coaching courses and termly coaching courses for disabled adults - but as always funds are urgently required to kickstart these projects.
A Trust in Luton Rep smiled, "Trust in Luton was created to offer a positive channel for Luton fans at a gloomy time, and now it really is paying off. A healthy club creates a happy town. The donation will help Luton to be top of Division One, but bottom of the Crap Town league!"
So Lutonians this is your chance to make sure the town gets listed in "Cool Towns 1"

Crap town fisticuffs: Rumor has it that the two authors of the Crap Towns (Dan and Sam) are having a bit of a tiff - about royalties!

28/10/2004 National Youth Work Week

As part of this initiative the council are hosting a "Best of Health" event at Sundown Park Youth Centre on Wednesday 3rd November 4-9pm .For more information please call 01582 484239. There will be a free mini bus pickup from other youth centres about town.

27/10/2004 Cycle award for Luton!

Luton Borough Council has received an award for being one of the most improved highway authorities in England to implement measures to increase cycling. The review was carried out by the English Regions Cycling Development Team (ERCDT).
Shoutluton has noticed the new cycle rails installed around the station and roads marked to make it easier for cyclists to travel about the town. We look forward to when Luton can be more of a cycling town! Just looking at the numbers of cycles parked outside of Harpenden station shows that with improved facilities more people will take to this efficient form of transport!

23/10/2004 Crap Towns II saga continues

In conjunction with Ottakars bookshop the editor of the book Crap Towns II (where Luton features as first choice) is to appear at the Luton Library on 4th November at 7:30pm. Here the public, councilors can offer their points of view about the book and its conclusion about the town.
Yet another blow as a result of the book is that our neighboring village of Slip End are petitioning to cut all Luton associations including their LU1 post code!
But it does appear that some good has come of the book as the council are gearing up for projects including improving the particular drab corner of the Arndale (remember that Maze Project - will it finally happen?) featured in the book.
Come on folks this is only a joke book written by a company of loafers!

23/10/2004 A Unique solution to commuter mayhem

Train commuters to London are now used to the disruption caused by building work at Kings Cross and St Pancras stations. Thameslink have published a leaflet called a "Travel Buddy" detailing all the changes and new times. But from experience if you work in North London your situation is improved because now that the trains stop at St Pancras they are usually on time! However if you work in South or Central London you will now have to travel on the tube network until May. However there is another way!


A pioneering British company has developed a cycle called a Brompton that can fold up into the size of a small suitcase and can neatly fit between the seats on a Thameslink train! When you arrive at St Pancras within 20 seconds or less you have unfolded the bike and are speeding past all those people queueing for the tubes!

28/09/2004 It's time to walk or cycle to school!

Luton Council are encouraging healthy journeys to school by holding a competition for schools. Primary school children can enter a drawing or write about what they enjoy about walking and cycling to school. High school children are challenged to create a logo promoting the Healthy Journey to School Award.
School children are also encouraged to walk to school during 4th - 8th October which has been designated "International Walk to School" week.
For entry forms call 01582 546861

28/09/2004 Microsoft make a presence in Luton school

Denbigh High school has become the first Microsoft Partner School in Luton, enabling them to develop a Learning Gateway where individual teachers will have vital information about every student's learning styles, strengths and areas for improvement by using Microsoft software. The school is one of 30 Microsoft Partner schools in the UK. Microsoft based in Seattle USA is the largest software company in the world and their products range from the X-box gaming system to the software that runs on almost every personal computer.

27/09/2004 If you have to be top of something...

...why not be the worst town in the UK! Luton has made it to number one in the Idler magazine's second edition of their Crap Town books. One of the reasons stated was the lack of entertainment venues and places to go, all I can think of is that they obviously did not look at my site! Some of the architecture is understandably dull (especially the corner of the Arndale featured on the cover) due to misguided 60's "innovation" but it makes the remaining victorian architecture even more special!

The award has invoked quite a diverse response - ranging from the inspired poetry by John Hegley written in defense of the town to downright condemnation by Gaurdian editor Sarfraz Manzoor. Sarfraz dislikes his hometown so much that he even created a mini TV series on channel 4 and is about to release a book on how he escaped Bury Park! If the town can inspire such feeling it must be an interesting place don't you think? After the books publication ex Luton tailors Sousters wasted no time in uprooting and now advertise themselves as Souster & Hicks of Savile Row!

25/09/2004 Face it Poetry at the Library theatre!

Don't miss an evening of poetry at the Library Theatre on Saturday 25th September 7pm. Among the 14 talented poets who will be performing will be Chloe Brookes a young local singer who has even performed for the Prince of Wales at the Urban Music Festival!
Admission Charges: £4.50 and £2.50 concessions, for more information contact the Central Library at 01582 547419

13/08/2004 Luton youth Street Games festival starts 13th August

From today the Sport Action Zone in partnership of various Luton agncies are running the festival which will provide sporting oppertunities for youth in our area! Here is a full list of events:

Cricket (8 a side) 12-14 year olds Brantwood Road Park 17th August 2-4pm Lower Wardown Park 18th August 2-4pm Rotherham Avenue 19th August 2-4pm Football (5 a side) 12-18 year olds Barnfield College 13th August 5-7pm Blundell Road 16th August 5-7pm Brantwood Road Park 17th August 5-7pm Hockwell Ring Community Centre 18th August 5-7pm Basketball (3v3) 12-18year olds Luton Youth House 13th August 3-5pm Marsh Farm 16th August 3-5pm Hockwell Ring Community Centre 17th August 3-5pm Softball - Girls only 12-18year olds Lea Manor 21st August 11am - 5pm

09/08/2004 Luton Mela is a success!

This years event was the biggest and best and was visited by thousands of people. There was something for all tastes including Caribbean steel pan music, Sufi soul, Bhangra sounds as well as Indonesian and Asian dance. So if you missed this year's event be sure to visit it next year!

01/08/2004 Don't miss the 5th Luton Mela

The event will be held at Wardown Park on 1st August and will feature top artists including: Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi, soulful Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan, and the godfathers of Bhangra - Alaap. The event is free so just turn up and enjoy!

01/07/2004 Cardinal Newman School to become a science college

Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary School has successfully achieved specialist science status. The school will officially receive its science college status in September.

05/07/2004 Colombian Carnival Circus Troupe comes to Luton

The Colombian carnival street circus troupe will deliver short performances and workshops, week commencing 5 July, at Icknield High, Foxdell Junior and Lea Manor High, teaching children acrobatics, balancing, juggling, stilt walking and unicycling skills. with a final performance at the Library Theatre on Friday, 9 July, 7.45pm! where tickets cost £8, concessions £4.
There will also be a sneak preview Tuesday, 6 July, 12 noon at the Arndale!

10/07/2004 Comedians Dan Antopolski & Tony Law at the Library Theatre

The Comedy Stand in association with Avalon Promotions Limited present comedians Dan Antopolski and Tony Law at Luton's Library Theatre on Saturday 10 July, 7.45pm. Tickets cost £9, concessions £7. For further information ring 01582 547474.

17/07/2004 Experience life in 17th century!

Stockwood Park Museum are holding a 'Living History Weekend' on 17 and 18 July, 11am - 4pm, witness battles from the Civil war enacted in full costume by the group "The Sealed Knot". The event is free so don't miss it!

Visit the Sealed knot website for some stunning imagery!

22/06/2004 B-Day at Stockwood Park

On Sunday 27 June the bee gallery at Stockwood Park is to re-open. To mark the occasion the museum is holding a Honey Bee Day event from 12 noon to 4pm.
The Bedfordshire Beekeeping Association will also be on hand to answer any questions and provide amazing facts about bees and beekeeping.
The bee gallery has been closed for a complete redesign. The work, which is being carried out by museum staff in consultation with the Bedfordshire Beekeepers, is being carried out in two stages. The first includes new panels, objects, more information about bees and honey making, a video and children's trails. This work will be completed by Honey Bee Day (27 June) The second stage will involve dividing the hive (full of real bees) into two, one becoming the observation hive and the other for beekeeper demonstrations. Call 01582 738714 from more information.

20/06/2004 The spaceman at the Hat Factory

Blast off with Bud on his search for aliens. See how he navigates his spacecraft into the unknown. The spaceman is an imaginative blend of theatre, drawing and music. The show is recommended for 4 years and over. Tickets cost £3 for adults and £2.50 for children. For further information or to book tickets contact the hat Factory box office, 65-67 Bute Street, or ring 01582 878100. 20 June at 11am.

25/06/2004 Lifestyle Guru at the Hat Factory

The ultimate agony aunt - Tina C is simply dying to help you! In a new show, with a sprinkling of advice, infused with an evangelical tint, Tina helps the audience with their problems and their ability to laugh at other people's problems the show has been a live sensation throughout the UK.Tickets cost £7, concessions £6. For further information or to book tickets contact the hat Factory box office, 65-67 Bute Street, or ring 01582 878100. 25 June at 7:30pm

08/06/2004 Three Billy Goats Gruff

The Theater of Widdershins return to Luton with their latest show on Sunday 13 june at the John Dony Field Centre Hancock Drive Bushmead. The show tells the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff and other fairy tales using puppets, props and enchanting Gypsy music! Be sure to book ahead call 01582 546722. Tickets are only 50p per person and the show starts at 2:15 pm.

08/06/2004 Learn about the Chalk Downland

Join Trevor Tween on Thursday (10 June) for a presentation about the chalk and grasslands that surround Luton. Find out about their history and how this valuable natural heritage is managed. Then take a short walk to Bradger's Hill where you may spot the rare Butterfly Orchid. Meet at the John Dony Field Centre, Hancock Drive Luton at 7:30 pm.
There will also be walks to the Galley and Wardown Hills on June 17th and to Blow's Down on the 24th. To find out more call 01582 486983.

31/05/2004 It's Carnival!

Luton Carnival is in full swing! To check out the gallery click here!

Click Here to see the gallery!

18/05/2004 Carnival Spectacular!

In less than two weeks it is Carnival Time! Print out your guide to all the events, sounds and shows here!

22/05/2004 Flamingo Flamingo!

Can money buy you all that you really want in life? Does it take a Flamingo to teach you? 'Flamingo Flamingo Flamingo' is a cautionary tale of greed, envy, deceit and tropical birds - a warning to the 'I deserve it' generation. This play direct from the Edinburgh Festival won critical acclaim and received four stars from The Scotsman and The Stage.
See it at the Hat Factory on Saturday 22 May at 7:30pm. Tickets cost £7 concessions £6. For further information or to book tickets contact the hat Factory box office, 65-67 Bute Street, Luton or ring 01582 878100.

29/05/2004 The Unexpected Man

Don't miss the new play at the Hat Factory. The play called The Unexpected Man features two strangers on a train; a famous novelist and a passionate admirer of his work. In dazzling monologues, author and admirer reveal their rich inner lives and the tension this creates gives the play its humor, heart and nail-biting suspense. A journey that began simply as a trip from Paris to Frankfurt becomes an adventure of the mind.
The play is on the 29 May at 7:30pm. Tickets cost £7 concessions £6. For further information or to book tickets contact the hat Factory box office, 65-67 Bute Street, Luton or ring 01582 878100.

27/05/2004 Yes you can touch the exhibits!

If you visit Wardown Park Museum on Thursday 27 May you will be able to get your hands on some of the Museum's exhibits! There will be a talk on some of the amazing objects in the museum and visitors will be able to examine objects like head measures and wig carrots themselves. The talk starts from 2 to 4 pm.

12/05/2004 Carnival fever gets closer

This year the Carnival promises to be the biggest ever with over 1500 people taking part! 60 different groups, clubs,schools, societies and communities will be taking part.

Here are some of the top acts at the Luton Carnival this year:

Tippa Irie (Reggae), SW Storm (Soca), NECK (Irish Rock) and one of the country's best Punjabi dance groups - Asli Baharan Punjab Diyan. The Carnival takes place on bank holiday Monday 31 May from 12noon to 7pm.

www.lutoncarnival.co.uk

To email the organizers click here

27/04/2004 The camera that smiles at you!

Luton is to implement a system called SID (Speed Indicator Display). These are portable vehicle speed detection devices that displays your speed and a smile if you are within the limit. The innovative system aims to use the carrot approach as drivers will not be fined if they do break the speed limit. SID will also collect speed statistics so that action can be taken in frequently problematic areas.

31/05/2004 Luton Carnival!

This year the Carnival will he held on Bank Holiday Monday May 31st. The Carnival is the biggest and most successful event in Luton and the biggest one day Carnival in the UK! This year the procession starts at Wardown park, comes into the town centre where it loops around cheapside then past the Library. It then carries on down Manchester Street through upper George street, down Alma street and then back to Wardown Park.

Visit the official site here

24/04/2004 St Georges Day Celebrations

Today in St George's square there was a celebration of England, there were market stalls, Morris dancers, knights in armor and of course a Shakespeare performance!
As part of the celebrations Luton Scout will have it's annual parade and service on Sunday. The march will go past the town hall at 2pm to be saluted by the Lord Mayor.

13/08/2004 Luton youth Street Games festival starts 13th August

From today the Sport Action Zone in partnership of various Luton agncies are running the festival which will provide sporting oppertunities for youth in our area! Here is a full list of events:

09/08/2004 Luton Mela is a success!

This years event was the biggest and best and was visited by thousands of people. There was something for all tastes including Caribbean steel pan music, Sufi soul, Bhangra sounds as well as Indonesian and Asian dance. So if you missed this year's event be sure to visit it next year!

01/08/2004 Don't miss the 5th Luton Mela

The event will be held at Wardown Park on 1st August and will feature top artists including: Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi, soulful Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan, and the godfathers of Bhangra - Alaap. The event is free so just turn up and enjoy!

01/07/2004 Cardinal Newman School to become a science college

Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary School has successfully achieved specialist science status. The school will officially receive its science college status in September.

05/07/2004 Colombian Carnival Circus Troupe comes to Luton

The Colombian carnival street circus troupe will deliver short performances and workshops, week commencing 5 July, at Icknield High, Foxdell Junior and Lea Manor High, teaching children acrobatics, balancing, juggling, stilt walking and unicycling skills. with a final performance at the Library Theatre on Friday, 9 July, 7.45pm! where tickets cost £8, concessions £4.
There will also be a sneak preview Tuesday, 6 July, 12 noon at the Arndale!

10/07/2004 Comedians Dan Antopolski & Tony Law at the Library Theatre

The Comedy Stand in association with Avalon Promotions Limited present comedians Dan Antopolski and Tony Law at Luton's Library Theatre on Saturday 10 July, 7.45pm. Tickets cost £9, concessions £7. For further information ring 01582 547474.

17/07/2004 Experience life in 17th century!

Stockwood Park Museum are holding a 'Living History Weekend' on 17 and 18 July, 11am - 4pm, witness battles from the Civil war enacted in full costume by the group "The Sealed Knot". The event is free so don't miss it!

Visit the Sealed knot website for some stunning imagery!

22/06/2004 B-Day at Stockwood Park

On Sunday 27 June the bee gallery at Stockwood Park is to re-open. To mark the occasion the museum is holding a Honey Bee Day event from 12 noon to 4pm.
The Bedfordshire Beekeeping Association will also be on hand to answer any questions and provide amazing facts about bees and beekeeping.
The bee gallery has been closed for a complete redesign. The work, which is being carried out by museum staff in consultation with the Bedfordshire Beekeepers, is being carried out in two stages. The first includes new panels, objects, more information about bees and honey making, a video and children's trails. This work will be completed by Honey Bee Day (27 June) The second stage will involve dividing the hive (full of real bees) into two, one becoming the observation hive and the other for beekeeper demonstrations. Call 01582 738714 from more information.

20/06/2004 The spaceman at the Hat Factory

Blast off with Bud on his search for aliens. See how he navigates his spacecraft into the unknown. The spaceman is an imaginative blend of theatre, drawing and music. The show is recommended for 4 years and over. Tickets cost £3 for adults and £2.50 for children. For further information or to book tickets contact the hat Factory box office, 65-67 Bute Street, or ring 01582 878100. 20 June at 11am.

25/06/2004 Lifestyle Guru at the Hat Factory

The ultimate agony aunt - Tina C is simply dying to help you! In a new show, with a sprinkling of advice, infused with an evangelical tint, Tina helps the audience with their problems and their ability to laugh at other people's problems the show has been a live sensation throughout the UK.Tickets cost £7, concessions £6. For further information or to book tickets contact the hat Factory box office, 65-67 Bute Street, or ring 01582 878100. 25 June at 7:30pm

08/06/2004 Three Billy Goats Gruff

The Theater of Widdershins return to Luton with their latest show on Sunday 13 june at the John Dony Field Centre Hancock Drive Bushmead. The show tells the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff and other fairy tales using puppets, props and enchanting Gypsy music! Be sure to book ahead call 01582 546722. Tickets are only 50p per person and the show starts at 2:15 pm.

08/06/2004 Learn about the Chalk Downland

Join Trevor Tween on Thursday (10 June) for a presentation about the chalk and grasslands that surround Luton. Find out about their history and how this valuable natural heritage is managed. Then take a short walk to Bradger's Hill where you may spot the rare Butterfly Orchid. Meet at the John Dony Field Centre, Hancock Drive Luton at 7:30 pm.
There will also be walks to the Galley and Wardown Hills on June 17th and to Blow's Down on the 24th. To find out more call 01582 486983.

31/05/2004 It's Carnival!

Luton Carnival is in full swing! To check out the gallery click here!

Click Here to see the gallery!

18/05/2004 Carnival Spectacular!

In less than two weeks it is Carnival Time! Print out your guide to all the events, sounds and shows here!

22/05/2004 Flamingo Flamingo!

Can money buy you all that you really want in life? Does it take a Flamingo to teach you? 'Flamingo Flamingo Flamingo' is a cautionary tale of greed, envy, deceit and tropical birds - a warning to the 'I deserve it' generation. This play direct from the Edinburgh Festival won critical acclaim and received four stars from The Scotsman and The Stage.
See it at the Hat Factory on Saturday 22 May at 7:30pm. Tickets cost £7 concessions £6. For further information or to book tickets contact the hat Factory box office, 65-67 Bute Street, Luton or ring 01582 878100.

29/05/2004 The Unexpected Man

Don't miss the new play at the Hat Factory. The play called The Unexpected Man features two strangers on a train; a famous novelist and a passionate admirer of his work. In dazzling monologues, author and admirer reveal their rich inner lives and the tension this creates gives the play its humor, heart and nail-biting suspense. A journey that began simply as a trip from Paris to Frankfurt becomes an adventure of the mind.
The play is on the 29 May at 7:30pm. Tickets cost £7 concessions £6. For further information or to book tickets contact the hat Factory box office, 65-67 Bute Street, Luton or ring 01582 878100.

27/05/2004 Yes you can touch the exhibits!

If you visit Wardown Park Museum on Thursday 27 May you will be able to get your hands on some of the Museum's exhibits! There will be a talk on some of the amazing objects in the museum and visitors will be able to examine objects like head measures and wig carrots themselves. The talk starts from 2 to 4 pm.

12/05/2004 Carnival fever gets closer

This year the Carnival promises to be the biggest ever with over 1500 people taking part! 60 different groups, clubs,schools, societies and communities will be taking part.

Here are some of the top acts at the Luton Carnival this year:

Tippa Irie (Reggae), SW Storm (Soca), NECK (Irish Rock) and one of the country's best Punjabi dance groups - Asli Baharan Punjab Diyan. The Carnival takes place on bank holiday Monday 31 May from 12noon to 7pm.

www.lutoncarnival.co.uk

To email the organizers click here

27/04/2004 The camera that smiles at you!

Luton is to implement a system called SID (Speed Indicator Display). These are portable vehicle speed detection devices that displays your speed and a smile if you are within the limit. The innovative system aims to use the carrot approach as drivers will not be fined if they do break the speed limit. SID will also collect speed statistics so that action can be taken in frequently problematic areas.

31/05/2004 Luton Carnival!

This year the Carnival will he held on Bank Holiday Monday May 31st. The Carnival is the biggest and most successful event in Luton and the biggest one day Carnival in the UK! This year the procession starts at Wardown park, comes into the town centre where it loops around cheapside then past the Library. It then carries on down Manchester Street through upper George street, down Alma street and then back to Wardown Park.

Visit the official site here

24/04/2004 St Georges Day Celebrations

Today in St George's square there was a celebration of England, there were market stalls, Morris dancers, knights in armor and of course a Shakespeare performance!
As part of the celebrations Luton Scout will have it's annual parade and service on Sunday. The march will go past the town hall at 2pm to be saluted by the Lord Mayor.

10/04/2004 Easter Hat Parade

The day attracted a crowd of about 5000 and has been hailed a success. Over £1000 has been raised for charity from the sale of hats during the auction. In some cases hats valued at £300 sold for as little as £50.

Hats are the order of the day! Lutons other stars: the cars

Birds of prey on display Members of the parade

07/04/2004 Easter Hat Parade

The Easter Hat Parade was once a traditional event at Luton since the 18th century. It has now been revived and this year the festival will take place at Wardown Park on the 10th April. Young people have already entered the spirit of the event and already over 1000 entries have been received for the Hat design Competition that will be judged on the day. Here are some of the entries!

By Chloe Mitchel - age 9 (modeled here by the Mayor) By Angeligue Davies-Dixon - age 6 Emma Kidman - age 9

By Jordon Parker, Michael Ellis and Kelly Peel - age 8-9 By Natalie Mitchell - age 11 By Thomas Harkin - age 8

05/04/2004 Don't miss the Wardown Park hat show!

As part of Lutons Easter Hat Parade a show will be put on at Wardown park that will feature 150 hats for men and woman. So if you want to see the latest hat designs head down to Wardown park on Saturday 10th April. Tickets are available at the Tourist Information Centre or call 01582 547463. The show starts at 3pm.

05/04/2004 Mapping the Arts in Bedfordshire

Are you and artist or someone involved in the Arts in Bedfordshire? If so why not complete the Bedfordshire Arts Survey to help produce a detailed profile of the arts in the county. To participate simply download the survey here and return it by freepost before April 16th.

14/03/2004 St Patrick's Celebrations are under way!

Stilt Girls on the Grand Parade Click on the image above to download the parade mini-movie (warning it is a 9MB download)

The Dookinella Memorial pipers Irish dancing at the Arndale

Shout Luton would like to wish everyone a wonderful St Patrick's week!

09/03/2004 elearning@luton centre opens on 16th March!

A new learning centre is to be officially opened on the 16th March by The Mayor of Luton, Cllr Michael Dolling. The new centre is based in Sundon Park and is a great resource for schools and communities. There is a Cyber Cafe, Apple Mac and PC Suites and a performance and music technology area. The centre will also cater for adults and offer Photoshop, Powerpoint, emailing and online shopping courses.

elearning@luton is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm, with a late opening until 9pm on Thursdays. Weekend bookings can be arranged by prior appointment. For more information contact elearning@luton on 01582 499670.

07/03/2004 St Patrick's Day Celebrations!

St Patrick's Festival begins in Luton from March 12 to 20th. Here is a brief breakdown of some of the events:

Sunday 14th - The Grand Parade starts at 11am with song and dance at Market Hill

Wednesday 17 (St Patrick's Day)- Irish Dance and music at the Arndale Centre from 11am

Thursday 18th - Irish movies will be shown at the Library Theater at 7:30 pm

Friday 19th - Irish music and dance held at the Library Theater at 8pm

Saturday 20th - Irish comedy at the Library Theatre at 7:30pm

27/02/2004 Luton Carnival Arts Centre to open late 2006

Plans for a carnival arts centre in Luton came closer today as a sum of £1.5 million was confirmed by the Arts Council Lottery Grant for the project. The centre will be the UK's first to be dedicated to the carnival arts and will offer a diverse range of training courses, workshops, seminars and conferences!

21/02/2004 Get ready for Arts and Culture!

Luton Council's art and culture workshop "The Hat Factory" is to open in spring 2004. The venue formally known as the Artezium is to offer film, theater, musical evenings, and art exhibitions. The Hat Factory is located in Bute street near the station. To find out more and see a cut away view of the new facilities click on the link below!

The Hat Factory

14/02/2004 Amazed?

The image above is a proposed layout for the new MAZE project that is to be built in a drab corner of the Arndale Centre just outside Maplin near the boarded up area. The project has been part funded by the EU and is aimed at providing a children's playground with maze like patterns embedded in the paving. If you want to know more about this project or have suggestions call 01582 547227.

03/02/2004 Putting Luton First!

Luton council have created a website to promote Luton as a viable location for business, education and leisure. Packed with professional photography the site is a great presentation of what Luton has to offer. Visit LutonFirst here!

17/01/2004 Going Potty!

Some of the fine pottery on display

From Monday 19th to Saturday 24th there will be a unique event: a Staffadforshire pot fair! The fair will take place at Market Hill and there will be Victorian stalls and auctioneer. Some brands on sale will be Minton, Crown Derby, Wedgewood, Royal Doulton and Waterford.

12/01/2004 Lights Camera Action!

A new movie is to be filmed in Luton's High Town this week. The film with the production name "Colour Me Kubrick" is to be based on the true story of a con artist who impersonated director Stanley Kubrick. The lead role is performed by John Malkovich and will include performances by James Dreyfus, Leslie Phillips, Ian Shaw and Jim Davidson. For three days residents of Hightown will see 1960's cars and the appearance of "The Blue Danube Adult Shop" and other fictitious signs in the area!
The comedy "Colour Me Kubrick" is a movie by Anthony Frewin directed by Brian Cook.