Heritage open days

Stories Inscribed: Live calligraphy in the Hat District by Abu Yahya
Hat Factory Arts Centre The Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton, Bedfordshire, United KingdomLocal artist Abu Yahya to create a new series of large-scale calligraphy works in the Hat District, as part of Heritage Open Days 2025

Hidden in Plain Sight – Photography Exhibition and Community Open Call for Heritage Open Days 2025
Hat District Bute Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, United KingdomA community photo exhibition celebrating Luton's architectural character through its overlooked details – tiled doorsteps, carved plaques, decorative brickwork, fading signs and more.

Climb the tower at St Mary’s Luton
St Mary's Church Church Church St, Luton, Luton, Bedfordshire, United KingdomClimb the tower and enjoy panoramic views from the top.

The controversial and energetic vicar of St Mary’s Luton
St Mary's Church Church Church St, Luton, Luton, Bedfordshire, United KingdomRev James O'Neill served as vicar of Luton 1862-95. Marks of his work are everywhere in the church yet he left a legacy of scandal as well.

Look to the Rooftops – A creative writing workshop by Marra Theatre
Hat Works Hat Works, 47 Guildford Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, United KingdomA workshop exploring Luton’s hidden history through creative writing during Heritage Open Days 2025 at the Hat District.

Materials Market
Hat Factory Arts Centre The Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton, Bedfordshire, United KingdomThis Materials Market is an opportunity to browse and buy sustainably-produced materials for millinery or other design.

Making Headway: Celebrating Sustainability in Hats
Hat Works Hat Works, 47 Guildford Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, United KingdomThe 3rd British Hat Guild exhibition at Hat Works showcases the incredible hats of many leading UK milliners. It spotlights the creative ways milliners are working towards a greener footprint: from the traditional use of natural materials, to upcycling and the use of waste and innovative new generation materials.

‘Sustainability within the Creative Industries’ Film & Panel Discussion
Hat Factory Arts Centre The Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton, Bedfordshire, United KingdomHear leading UK milliners of The British Hat Guild discuss the processes behind the creation of their hats on display in ‘Making Headway: Celebrating Sustainability in Hats’

Heritage Open Day: Town Hall tours
Luton Town Hall George Street Luton, Luton, Bedfordshire, United KingdomHeritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, and we're celebrating by offering FREE tours of Luton Town Hall for the public.

Panel Discussion for ‘Making Headway: Celebrating Sustainability in Hats’
Hat Factory Arts Centre The Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton, Bedfordshire, United KingdomIntroduced by a short film, an expert panel brings in-depth knowledge of the field of sustainability and explores questions of sustainability within the creative industries.