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 Luton Turkish Festival is a much-loved annual event in the UK, celebrating the rich culture, traditions, and values of Türkiye. Once again, we are excited to welcome you for a joyful day full of culture, food, and community spirit.
28th June @ 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
‘Funk & Soul’ is a music event coming to the Hat District in Luton town centre for the very first time.
18th July @ 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga practice by the River Lea.
21st July @ 8:00 am - 8:45 am
Bring your little ones to the party of free imaginative play, featuring interactive games and a lively dance party.
21st July @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Join our community boxing fitness sessions for a fun, challenging workout in the square (16+ only).
22nd July @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Head down to the steps for children’s storytelling and let your imagination soar with captivating tales.
24th July @ 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Join us in the square for a day of family play featuring lots of fun games & activities suitable for children and parents.
1st August @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Join us for a high-energy festival packed with live music, non-stop fun and mouth-watering food and drinks from an outdoor bar.
15th August @ 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Bring your picnic and settle in for a fantastic line-up of family films
22nd August @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Hear the first reading of a special story all about Luton's history to celebrate the 150th birthday as a borough.
28th August @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Bring your picnic and settle in for a fantastic line-up of family films.
29th August @ 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This brand new massive live music event will be the biggest party of the year! Artists that you know and love will be gracing the stage right here in Luton.
12th September @ 12:00 pm - 10:00 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.
Modern day Bute Mills. Credit: Youthscape
Barber's Lane. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
The Engine, Bute Street. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Cheapside, Bute Mills in background, 1911. Credit: Youthscape
Map of town centre, 1930. Credit: Youthscape
Kenilworth Road. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
St Mary's Church, modern day
Remains of the Town Hall after the Peace Day Riots, 1919. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Scout's sports day, 1952
The Antelope, Albert Road circa 1960. Credit: Mushtaq Hakeem.
Plan of Hat District, 1929. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Suspension Bridge, Wardown Park. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Vauxhall Cavalier, 1977. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
A Vauxhall Cresta being loaded onto a plane. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Wardown Park
Wardown House. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Barber's Lane. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
'Making Daisy Chains - Wardown Park, 1910
Silver Street. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
We're unsure of the exact location! Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Vauxhall factory visit, 1905. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
Vauxhall factory view, 1940s. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
Vauxhall car park view. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
The Boat House, Wardown Park. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Bute St Station, established 1858. Credit: Youthscape
Silver Street. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
St George's Day parade, 1953
Barber's Lane. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
We're unsure of the exact location! Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
The Painter's Arms. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Town centre skyline, 1983. Credit: Youthscape
Connor Hat Factory. 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.
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