Hosted by the UK Centre for Carnival Arts (UKCCA), this year’s Luton International Carnival will be the 47th edition of the event on Sunday 28 May. One of the parade highlights to watch out for is a giant cycle squid and a mini float made of recycled materials demonstrating UKCCA’s journey to creating a sustainable event which they aim to deliver by 2030.
Dame Floella Benjamin, the Luton International Carnival Champion 2023, is showing support for this family-focused event which will include carnival groups from Luton’s schools and diverse communities. UKCCA will welcome carnival groups and giant carnival puppets from across the UK. The day will feature Luton born actor Colin Salmon’s youth steel band, UFO, and Luton Council’s chief executive will be in full carnival costume. The main parade will begin at 1pm on Park Street in front of the University of Bedfordshire’s STEM Building.
There will be pre-parade family entertainment from 12pm at the two performance areas at St George’s Square and the Hat District, plus a fantastic line up of roaming dinosaurs, live steel pan performances and interactive dance activities with Next Generation Youth Theatre.
New to carnival this year will be an immersive storytelling area in the Hat Factory. The stories will begin at 11am with a session to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Robin Porter, chief executive of Luton Council, said: “Having personally participated last year I am looking forward to doing so once again and encourage anyone who enjoys a great atmosphere to come along at the end of the month.”
For further details of this event visit carnivalarts.org.uk
