What’s On
At the Bandstand
Luton Bandstand is back this year with an exciting collection of diverse concerts and performances playing in Wardown Park throughout the summer. Sponsored by Luton Rising.
Selected Sundays: 4 June, 25 June, 9 July, 23 July and 13 August
2pm to 6pm
Luton Bandstand, Wardown Park, Luton
luton.gov.uk/events
Cost: Free
Luton International Carnival
Luton’s biggest free family event returns with a Coast to Coast theme. This year will be the carnival’s 47th parade, which will leave at 1pm from Park Street in front of the University of Bedfordshire’s STEM Building. The event is a magical experience for all, featuring spectacular performances, entertainment, food and stalls. There will be family entertainment from 11am with immersive story telling at the Hat Factory, and from 12pm at the two performance areas at St George’s Square and The Hat District. There will also be a fantastic line-up of roaming dinosaurs, live steel pan performances, and interactive dance activities with Next Generation Youth Theatre.
Sunday 28 May
12pm to 6pm
Luton Town Centre
www.carnivalarts.org.uk/ luton-carnival-2023
Thank you to Luton Rising, principle sponsors of these key Luton events.
Pride in Luton
Returning for a second year with an additional stage.
Thursday 22 June to Saturday 24 June 2023
1pm to 7pm Hat District, Bute Street, Luton
www.prideinluton.org
Cost: Free
Luton Turkfest
A day celebrating the Turkish community and those from surrounding countries.
Inspire Eid Festival
A two-day festival with a big funfair at low prices, delicious world food and drink, games and activities and family entertainment. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 June
2pm to 9pm
Lewsey Community Festival
More information to follow.
Saturday 24 June
All day
Lewsey Park, Luton
To be confirmed
Cost: Free
Colours of Eid
Join ALIF New Beginnings for Luton’s second Eid parade event, Colours of Eid, and a celebration of Islamic culture and arts. There will be family entertainment at St George’s Square and a costume parade from Market Hill to St George’s Square.
Saturday 8 July
12 pm to 6 pm
St George’s Square
www.coloursofeid.com
Cost: Free
Desi Fest Luton
Celebration of the music, culture and artistic diversity of Southeast Asia.
Saturday 2 September and Sunday 3 September 2023
3pm to 8pm
Wardown Park, Luton
www.desifest.co.uk
Cost: Free
Every month
Bradgers Hill Outdoor Work Parties
A great way to get hands-on to help wildlife, and create a place where nature and people can thrive. Get some fresh air, keep fit and meet others.
First Monday of every month
10am to 3pm
Bushmead Community Hub
www.wildlifebcn.org/ volunteering-opportunities/ conservation-work-partiesbedfordshire
Cost: Free
Hat District Lates
Eat, Drink and Create every first Thursday of the month at Hat District Lates! 16+
First Thursday of every month
5pm to 9pm
The Hat District
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: Free
The Comedy Bar
Join resident MC Jake Pickford for an evening of stand-up comedy. Strictly 16+
Third Friday of every month
7.30pm to 10pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £7
Luton Life Drawing
Drawings made from the living naked human form. Join this friendly class with tutor Matt Burden.
Third Saturday of every month
2pm to 4pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £15
Swirl Nightclub
Bedfordshire’s biggest disability nightclub. Strictly 18+
Last Tuesday of every month
7pm to 10pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £6/free carer ticket
Artisan Food, Art and Craft Market
A monthly fair with handmade crafts, food and drinks.
Every second Sunday of the month
11am to 4pm
Stockwood Discovery Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: Free
More events taking place
Hats Made Me
A major exhibition that explores the global significance of hats and headwear. Suitable for all ages
Until Sunday 10 December
Multiple Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: Adults £6.50, Concessions £4.50 + £1 booking fee. Under 10’s free
Summer Sounds at Hat Gardens
Grab your lunch and head to Hat Gardens for a musical lunch break in the sun! Enjoy live music from 12pm to 2pm every Tuesday this summer.
Tuesday 25 July to
Tuesday 29 August
12pm to 2pm
Hat Gardens, Bute Street, Luton
www.luton.gov.uk/events
Cost: Free
Spring Fashion event
A two day event with pop-up fashion shows, advice from stylists and colour consultants.
Friday 19 May and Saturday 20 May
11am to 5pm
The Mall, Luton
www.themallluton.co.uk
Cost: Free
Acid Jazz & Other Illicit Grooves: The UK Exhibition Tour
A new immersive installation takes over the Hat Factory Basement. Experience the musical movement through sound, video, magazine features, photography, and album artwork. Suitable for all ages
Friday 19 May to
Thursday 1 June
Multiple Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £3.30
Utter! Lutonia
An eclectic and ever-changing line-up of Spoken Word talent. Strictly 16+
Thursday 1 June and
Thursday 7 September
7.30pm to 10pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/
whats-on/utter-lutonia-5
Cost: £6/£4 conc
Luton Beatz Lab
Listen to live beat and sound-making with improvised beat music.
Thursday 8 June 7pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £3
Now That is What We Call The 80’s
Andy Chesham (Vinyl Revelations) takes you back to the 1980s. Strictly 18+
Saturday 10 June
8pm to 1am
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £11 in advance, £13 on the door
Miles Hunt
The Wonder Stuff’s Miles Hunt performs songs from his latest album alongside classics from his 36-year career. Age guidance: 16+
Thursday 15 June
7.30pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £23.10
PRIDE in Luton: Vigil 2023
A short vigil to remember the lives of those taken too soon to launch the start of PRIDE in Luton 2023. Suitable for all ages
Thursday 22 June 7pm to 9pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: Free, drop in
Football Freddie
A warm and witty new show for children and their grown-ups about football and team-work.
Age guidance: 3 - 7 year olds
Saturday 1 July 11.30am or 2pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £10
Food Fortunes
Celebrating food and drink at The Mall.
Friday 7 July and
Saturday 8 July
11am to 5pm
Central Square, The Mall, Luton
https://themallluton.co.uk
Cost: Free
Jurassic Summer
Explore the centre and find all the dinos before they escape!
July to August
During centre opening hours
The Mall, Luton
https://themallluton.co.uk
Cost: Free
Yoga in the Park
Start your day right this summer and energise your mind and body with a rejuvenating yoga practice.
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
Hat Gardens, Bute Street, Luton
www.luton.gov.uk/events
Cost: To be confirmed
NGYT Double Bill Showcase 2023
A double bill of original dance and theatre by Meraki Dance Company and The Ménage Collective. Age guidance 12+
Friday 28 July and Saturday 29 July
7.30pm to 9.30pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £13/£11 conc.
Magical Honey
Join Maya’s world of Magical Honey with dance, magic, storytelling and live music. Age guidance 5+
Monday 31 July
11.30am and 2pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £10
Storytelling on the Steps
Calling all young adventurers! Join us every Friday and let your imagination soar.
Every Friday from 28 July to 25 August
3pm
Hat Gardens, Bute Street, Luton
www.luton.gov.uk/events
Cost: Free
Big Gay Family Picnic
Bring your own picnic and join with activities available for families and others to take part in. Suitable for all ages
Sunday 3 September 12pm to 4pm
Stockwood Discovery Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: Free, drop in
Noasis
Widely considered the world’s premier Oasis tribute band. Strictly 18+
Saturday 16 September
8.15pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £17.60
Anti-Nowhere League
Vinyl Revelations proudly presents the return to Luton’s Hat Factory of one of the UKs greatest bands. Strictly 18+
Saturday 23 September
8.15pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £22
Super Saturdays at Hat Gardens
Make your Saturday’s super fun! Join us for a series of children’s events featuring workshops and activities this summer.
8 July, 19 August and 16 September
To be confirmed
Hat Gardens, Bute Street, Luton
www.luton.gov.uk/events
Cost: Free
Stand-up Comedy
Edinburgh Comedy Previews: Kyrah Gray and Elliot Steel. Strictly 16+.
Saturday 1 July
8pm to 10pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £11
Edinburgh Comedy Previews: Ivo Graham and Abi Clarke Strictly 16+
Friday 7 July
8pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £11
Edinburgh Comedy Previews: Peter Rethinasamy and Daniel Foxx Strictly 16+
Thursday 13 July
8pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: £11
The Bear Club showcases a range of local talent, along with some of the biggest names nationwide and is hugely popular with lovers of jazz, blues and alternative music.
For details of upcoming events visit. www.the-bear.club
Mill Yard, 24A Guildford St, Luton, LU1 2NR
What’s on in your parks
Wardown Park Volunteer Gardeners
Come and help enhance the beautiful surrounds of Wardown Park.
Every Thursday
10am to 12pm
Meet by Wardown House
parksvolunteers@luton.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Memorial Park Volunteer Gardeners
Come and help enhance the beautiful surrounds of Memorial Park.
Every Friday
10am to 12pm
Meet by the car park
parksvolunteers@luton.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Nature Conservation Activities
Come and join other local residents to help promote biodiversity and improve access to our nature conservation areas around the town.
Every Monday 10am to 3.30pm
Various – email for details parksvolunteers@luton.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Heritage Open Days
England’s largest festival of history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore and made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
8 September to 17 September
To be confirmed
Various locations
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Cost: Free
Hat Gardens
Summer Cinema
Join us for an unforgettable bank holiday cinema experience at Hat Gardens! Relax in deck chairs and bean bags whilst enjoying street food under the stars.
Saturday 26 August
5pm to 9pm
Hat Gardens, Bute Street, Luton
www.luton.gov.uk/events
Sundown Open Air
Cinema: Matilda the Musical (PG)
Tim Minchin’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale is a heart-warming story.
Friday 4 August 3pm
Stockwood Discovery Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: Adult £11.75 | Child £6.25 | Child under two £2.25
Sundown Open Air
Cinema: Top Gun: Maverick (12A)
Tom Cruise is back in the cockpit as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, the hotshot fighter pilot.
Friday 4 August 9pm
Stockwood Discovery Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: Adult £15.75 | Child £9.75
Sundown Open Air
Cinema: Grease (PG)
The beloved story of Danny and Sandy come to life on the big screen.
Saturday 5 August 9pm
Stockwood Discovery Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: Adult £15.75 | Child £9.75
Sundown Open Air
Cinema: Sing 2 (PG)
Experience the excitement and energy of the singing competition as Buster Moon and his talented contestants strive to put on the ultimate show.
Sunday 6 August 3pm
Stockwood Discovery Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: Adult £11.75 | Child £6.25 | Child under two £2.25
Sundown Open Air
Cinema: The Greatest Showman (PG)
Sit under the stars for a magical evening filled with music, dancing, and the unforgettable story of P.T. Barnum and his circus.
Sunday 6 August 9pm
Stockwood Discovery Centre
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Cost: Adult £15.75 | Child £9.75