New Community Event “Together We Spread the Light” to Celebrate 150 Years of Luton Borough
A brand-new community celebration, Together We Spread the Light, will take place on Saturday 16 May 2026, bringing residents together to mark 150 years of Luton Borough through creativity, culture, and shared experiences.
Produced by Alif New Beginnings, the organisation behind Luton’s much-loved Colours of Eid Festival, this new event promises to unite communities across the town in a vibrant day of workshops, storytelling, and a lantern-lit parade.
The event is proudly funded by National Lottery Awards for All, making it possible to offer a free, inclusive programme for the whole community. Organisers also extend their thanks to event partner Frasers Plus Luton for hosting the daytime activities, and to Shade 7 for delivering live storytelling sessions and a free book giveaway.
The celebration will begin with free community workshops from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at Frasers Plus Luton (shopping centre), where participants of all ages can take part in lantern making, calligraphy, and storytelling sessions. As part of the event, the community will create 150 lanterns representing 150 local heroes, recognising communities who have made a meaningful contribution to Luton.
The day will culminate in a community parade at 6:00pm, travelling from Market Hill to St. George’s Square, where the handmade lanterns will illuminate the town in a powerful display of unity and pride. The parade will also feature live drumming, adding energy and atmosphere to the evening celebrations.
Sarah Salim, Alif New Beginnings Director said:
“We’re proud to introduce ‘Together We Spread the Light’ as a new addition to Luton’s cultural calendar. Building on the success of Colours of Eid Festival, this event is about bringing people together, celebrating our shared stories, and shining a light on the people who make our community so special. We’re grateful to National Lottery Awards for All for their support, and to Frasers Plus Luton and Shade 7 for partnering with us to help bring the event to life.”
The event is free and open to all, welcoming families, young people, and community members from across Luton to take part. No booking is required.
Event Details
Date: Saturday 16 May 2026
Workshops: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Frasers Plus Luton (Shopping Centre)
Parade: 6:00pm
Route: Market Hill to St. George’s Square
For more information, visit:
www.togetherwespreadthelight.com
Media Contact
Sarah Salim
Alif New Beginnings
sarah.alifcic@gmail.com
07900435510
About Alif New Beginnings
Alif New Beginnings is a London and Luton-based organisation dedicated to delivering inclusive cultural and community events. They are the producers of the popular Colours of Eid Festival, which celebrates diversity, creativity, and community spirit across Luton.