Luton is turning 150 in 2026!
Luton celebrates 150 years of borough status throughout 2026!
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 around 150 exciting events, public art installations, exhibitions and a massive music event in September.
This year is about celebrating every aspect of Luton’s rich and diverse history – with more surprises to come! Here’s all you need to know:
Get involved
Make your event part of the celebrations.
See what's on
Join the party all year long.
Through the ages
Look back on Luton’s past through photos.
Join the biggest celebration weekend of the year
All the stops have been pulled out for this anniversary year, you won’t want to miss these two major events! These events have been made possible by headline sponsorship from Luton Council’s airport company, Luton Rising.
Luton’s officially 150 years old…
On the anniversary week of Luton gaining borough status, Luton Council hosted a special tree planting ceremony in the churchyard of our stunning St Mary’s Church.
A soon-to-be beautiful cherry blossom tree was planted by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Mrs Susan Lousada, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Mrs Camilla King, and Mayor of Luton Councillor Amy Nicholls.
Residents added their wishes and messages of hope for our town onto the church’s ‘Tree of Hope’ with stunning bright orange ribbon.
Local poet Lee Nelson did a live reading of his powerful original poem about our town and our proud history.
A glimpse of Luton’s story over the last 150 years…
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
What’s on
There’s so much going on across the town to celebrate this historic milestone, from public art and exciting exhibitions, to surprises we can’t wait to be unveiled! Find it all here.
This isn’t everything, and there’s plenty more to come. So, check back soon – we’ll be sure to keep you up to date as the year goes on.
Luton Henge Festival returns louder, bolder and more powerful after its unforgettable 2025 debut that united hundreds and sparked community pride.
2nd August @ 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Join us for a guided heritage walking tour of Luton's historic High Town, led by local historian Paul Hammond.
15th August @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Celebrating African and Caribbean music, arts and culture.
15th August @ 12:00 pm - 9:00 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 a picnic and head to the iconic Rotary Bandstand in Wardown Park to enjoy four dates of free live music.
16th August @ 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Bring your picnic and settle in for a fantastic line-up of family films
22nd August @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Join Luton BID’s Tidy Days and help keep Luton looking its best
25th August @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 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
Join us for a guided heritage walking tour of Luton's historic Dallow area, led by local historian Paul Hammond.
29th August @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Bring your picnic and settle in for a fantastic line-up of family films.
29th August @ 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Join us for a guided heritage walking tour of Luton's historic London Road, led by local historian Paul Hammond.
12th September @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am
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 @ 2:30 pm - 10:00 pm
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.
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
Luton town centre is about to get a massive glow-up. From football to theatre, green space to growth, here’s a glimpse at what the Town Centre Delivery Plan is aiming to deliver.
19 December, 2025
Step Forward Luton ambassador and co-founder of The Orange Picture Club reflects on the last year as the community cinema celebrates its first anniversary.
16 December, 2025