BLAST FROM THE PAST The River Lea

A river runs through it

Town centre residents and visitors are tickled pink to see the long-awaited return of Luton's iconic flamingos.

The nomadic fibreglass birds, once famous residents of The Mall, have found a new home at Hat Gardens. It's the first of the new exciting waterside spaces in which the River Lea will be opened up as part of a green corridor through the town centre. Hat Gardens, the pocket park on the corner of Bute Street and Silver Street on the site of a former car park, is open to the public as a green space to relax and enjoy.

The spot was also enjoyed as part of the part of the Coronation celebrations and later that month events were held with live music, a heritage tour, street food vans and performers. There will also be regular events such as lunchtime music sessions and storytelling.

Opening up the River Lea is a key component of the Town Centre Masterplan, which reimagines our ancient past and then channels it into the impressive new vision of establishing a string of waterside spaces throughout the town.

The next phase will strive to open up another section of the river along Library Road, creating a new pedestrian route and riverside park on the corner of Cheapside and Silver Street. A green corridor will be created along the route of the river which will improve air quality and drainage.

The history bit

By the time of the Norman Conquest, Luton was a thriving market town and by 1086, six mills were located on the river as Luton prospered. Yet the real growth in Luton did not begin until the late 18th century, with the arrival of the hat industry.

Luton was becoming a major market for straw plaits by the beginning of the 19th century, which were largely produced in rural areas. The plaiters would purchase prepared straw from merchants in Luton and then bring their completed plaits back to the market to sell.

Despite its success, the hat industry in Luton was short-lived, flourishing between the 1860s and the end of World War II. Following the war, the industry declined rapidly and the hat factories in this area closed and were converted to general office use, signalling the end of the Rivel Lea’s significance to local industry.

What’s happening at Hat Gardens?

Summer Sounds (25 July – 29 August)

12-2pm – Live music every Tuesday lunchtime.

Grab your lunch and head down for a musical break in the sun!

Summer Cinema (Sat 26 August)

5-9pm – Includes deck chairs, bean bags, and street food. Join us for an unforgettable bank holiday cinema experience!

Yoga in the Park (Summer 2023)

Energise your mind and body before work with a rejuvenating yoga practice. Dates coming soon.

Children’s Summer Holidays Programme

(Monday 24 July to Thursday 31 August 2023

Storytelling on the Steps

3pm - Every Friday

Calling all young adventurers! Join us every Friday and let your imagination soar with captivating tales! For up to date information visit www.luton.gov.uk/events

Super Saturdays (8 July, 19 August, 16 September)

Make your Saturday’s super fun! Join us for a series of children’s events featuring workshops and activities this summer.

For up to date information visit www.luton.gov.uk/events