Luton International Carnival, Inspiring Children for Generations
Bedfordshire Police with local children, Luton International Carnival
Luton International Carnival returns for its 46th year as part of Luton's Jubilee celebrations on Saturday 4th, June, welcoming families back to the town's biggest community event, which has inspired and nurtured creativity of children and young people for generations.
In 1954 Marylin Gearing, then 15 years old, was crowned Hat Queen at Luton Carnival -then a hat fair- inspiring a lifelong passion that sees her still participate in the parade over 60 years later.
In 1976 the Caribbean flavour that we know and love today was introduced to Luton by the Windrush generation who settled in the town, bringing the family tradition of carnival, raising generations of decedents who continue to shape the event today.
Rampage Mas Band, Luton International Carnival
In the late 1980s, youth leaders of the Starlight Youth Club took up the challenge of entering Luton Carnival, engaging young people in making costumes and forming a carnival group. Their first year saw them win an award, and youth leader Colin Spalding went on to form Rampage Mas Band, one of the most celebrated professional carnival groups in the UK, which continues to support the development of Luton youth in carnival.
Waif and Stray’s being interviewed on Blue Peter
The mid-1990s saw the forming of the renowned Luton children's carnival club, 'Waifs and Strays', which for nearly a decade inspired young people and their parents to participate and make lifelong friends. At it’s hight the group featured on Blue Peter awarding the young people the prestigious Blue Peter badge.
Scandalous Mas Band, Luton International Carnival
There has been a long tradition of children and young people featuring at the core of Luton International Carnival, with local schools participating in the parade and championing carnival arts education, cementing Luton as a carnival town. 2022 continues this tradition, with UKCCA supporting Tokko Youth Space, Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Chantry and Wigmore Primary schools to participate in the parade as a part of UKCCA's National Children's Carnival Week and Community Outreach programmes. Luton's dedicated Children's Carnival group Scandalous Mas Band will also feature, heading up the hundreds of children who will make up a large part of the near 800 strong parade.
Robin Porter, Chief Executive of Luton Council, Luton International Carnival
Robin Porter, Chief Executive of Luton Council, said: “The carnival is one of my favourite days of the year and its absence during the pandemic was really felt, especially in our schools. It is a key part of the town’s amazing arts and culture offer and it’s brilliant that it’s back in the town centre for 2022.
“I would encourage people to come along for a spectacular display of family-friendly entertainment and colour, and an awesome celebration of our diversity. I can’t wait.”
Everyone is welcome at Luton's biggest free event; with entrainment for all the family with a funfair at Manor Park from 12 noon and a spectacular dinosaur performance at St George’s Square at 12 noon. Check out our free ‘Our World, Our Future’ headdress to make and wear on the day. For more programme information, click here.
A big thank you to this year’s primary funder Luton Rising, without who’s support the carnival would not have been possible.
We would also like to thank our other funders and supporters including Arts Council England, Luton BID, Love Luton, The Mall Luton, and Luton Irish Forum.
Also a huge thank you to the hundreds of returning volunteers who took to the streets to support the parade, making it a really special day for thousands of families.