Luton is turning 150 in 2026!
2026 is Luton’s 150th birthday as a borough!
What does this mean? Back in 1876, Luton made history by officially becoming a borough, unlocking the power to govern itself with its very own elected council.
To celebrate, the council & partners are hosting a line-up of 150 exciting events, public art installations, exhibitions and a few jaw-dropping surprises soon to be unveiled.
It’s all about celebrating every aspect of Luton’s rich and diverse history – and we can’t wait! Here’s all you need to know:
The countdown’s on…
On the week of Luton’s official borough birthday, Luton Council are hosting a special tree planting ceremony in the churchyard of our stunning St Mary’s Church. Everyone’s welcome to attend, so make sure you’re there to mark this historic date.
Location: St Mary’s Church
Date: Friday 27 February
Time: from 11.30am
Luton Made: Vauxhall
From the factory floor to the design studio, and the thousands who passed through the gates each day, this project tells the story of Vauxhall Motors through the voices of those who lived it.
The exhibition opens its doors to the public on Saturday 2 May and it’s kicking off with a family fun day and a classic car show on the opening weekend.
Take a walk round Stockwood Discovery Centre to take in this real piece of Luton history.
Got a story to share? There’s still time to contribute. Whether it’s a memory, photograph or an object, get in touch with lutonmade@luton.gov.uk
Factory visit, 1905. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
Vauxhall Cavalier, 1977. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
Car park. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
What’s on
There’s so much going on across the town to celebrate this historic milestone. Over 150 events are happening – from public art and exciting exhibitions, to surprises we can’t wait to be unveiled! Find it all here.
These aren’t everything, and there’s plenty still to come. So, check back soon – we’ll be sure keep adding to this list as the year goes on.
The 10 winning photographs capture the rich and diverse history of Vauxhall in Luton, over the past 120 years, told through the stories and memories of those who have a personal connection to it.
12th March @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
The MOST important date to remember! St Patrick’s Festival 2026! [...]
14th March @ 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
This March, three local charities are coming together to give you a glimpse of what it means to sleep somewhere unfamiliar; somewhere that isn't home
21st March @ 8:00 pm - 22nd March @ 6:00 am
This St George’s Day, prepare for a day of Victorian-themed action and adventure at Market Hill. With a variety of activities whatever your age, there’s free fun for everyone!
25th April @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
From the factory floor to the design studio, and the thousands who passed through the gates each day, this project tells the story of Vauxhall Motors through the voices of those who lived it.
2nd May @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
A family fun day to kickstart the new temporary Vauxhall exhibition in Luton
2nd May @ 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
A classic car show on the opening weekend of the new temporary Vauxhall exhibition in Luton
3rd May @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
We’re thrilled to announce that Luton International Carnival is back for 2026 — and it’s bringing the colour, the music, and the magic right home to where it all began!
24th May @ 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
‘Market Hill Live’ is a music event returning to Luton town centre after the success of last year.
27th June @ 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Luton through the ages
Here’s a selection of your amazing pics of our amazing town. If you’ve got a fave photo of the town you’d like to share, we would love to see! Email us hello@stepforwardluton.co.uk and you might see yours featured.
Cheapside, Bute Mills in background, 1911. Credit: Youthscape
Silver Street. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Kenilworth Road. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Modern day Bute Mills. Credit: Youthscape
Vauxhall factory view, 1940s. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
Barber's Lane. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Silver Street. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Suspension Bridge, Wardown Park. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Town centre skyline, 1983. Credit: Youthscape
Remains of the Town Hall after the Peace Day Riots, 1919. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
The Painter's Arms. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Bute St Station, established 1858. Credit: Youthscape
Vauxhall factory visit, 1905. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
Scout's sports day, 1952
Map of town centre, 1930. Credit: Youthscape
Connor Hat Factory. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Plan of Hat District, 1929. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
The Boat House, Wardown Park. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Barber's Lane. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
The Engine, Bute Street. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Barber's Lane. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
The Antelope, Albert Road circa 1960. Credit: Mushtaq Hakeem.
Wardown Park
St Mary's Church, modern day
St George's Day parade, 1953
Vauxhall car park view. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
We're unsure of the exact location! Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
A Vauxhall Cresta being loaded onto a plane. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
We're unsure of the exact location! Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
'Making Daisy Chains - Wardown Park, 1910
Vauxhall Cavalier, 1977. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
Wardown House. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
What the logo means for our town
The Luton 150 logo design celebrates our town’s vibrant past, present, and future – but there’s a few little easter eggs you might’ve missed out on first glance.
Air traffic control tower
Highlighting Luton’s strong travel links and aviation industry
Bute Mills (now Youthscape)
A nod to our industrial heritage, especially hat making
Flamingo
Symbolising Luton’s adaptability; these statues once stood in The Arndale Centre (now Luton Point) and now live in Hat Gardens
Luton Library Theatre
Representing the town’s growing arts, culture, and heritage scene
Town Hall
Marking the civic pride of this anniversary year as we celebrate becoming a municipal borough
How you can get involved
The council are busy planning a programme of exciting events for everyone to look forward to. They’d love as many people in the community involved as possible, so feel free to reach out and help celebrate this amazing milestone.
Feel like this is a bit of you? Send your ideas, stories & any queries to events@luton.gov.uk
PS: if you’ve already organised an event, you can still reach out and make it part of the programme!
Don’t miss a thing
Stay updated on everything happening in Luton this year – we’re keeping track of all the news as it happens.
Nobody does St Patrick’s Day like Luton, and this year there’s a whole host of events and activities to get involved with. Here are our top picks.
3 March, 2026
Over the weekend local Irish band, Missing the Ferry, released their latest single Luton You’re a Lady and premiered the music video, which perfectly claps back at recent negative headlines about our town.
16 February, 2026
Get ready for colour, culture and seriously good vibes… because Luton International Carnival is returning to its original home in Wardown Park this May, celebrating a spectacular 50 years of carnival magic.
2 February, 2026
