Luton is turning 150 in 2026!
Luton celebrates 150 years of borough status throughout 2026!
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 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:
Luton’s officially 150…
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.
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, 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.
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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.
The Painter's Arms. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Barber's Lane. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Modern day Bute Mills. Credit: Youthscape
Vauxhall factory view, 1940s. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
We're unsure of the exact location! Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Barber's Lane. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Silver Street. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Vauxhall factory visit, 1905. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
Bute St Station, established 1858. Credit: Youthscape
Cheapside, Bute Mills in background, 1911. Credit: Youthscape
The Engine, Bute Street. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
'Making Daisy Chains - Wardown Park, 1910
Wardown Park
Wardown House. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Scout's sports day, 1952
Connor Hat Factory. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Plan of Hat District, 1929. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
A Vauxhall Cresta being loaded onto a plane. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Town centre skyline, 1983. Credit: Youthscape
The Antelope, Albert Road circa 1960. Credit: Mushtaq Hakeem.
Vauxhall Cavalier, 1977. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
Remains of the Town Hall after the Peace Day Riots, 1919. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
St Mary's Church, modern day
The Boat House, Wardown Park. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Map of town centre, 1930. Credit: Youthscape
Silver Street. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Barber's Lane. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Vauxhall car park view. Credit: Vauxhall heritage
Kenilworth Road. Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
St George's Day parade, 1953
We're unsure of the exact location! Credit: Luton Heritage Forum
Suspension Bridge, Wardown Park. 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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