A once-in-a-generation celebration of Luton’s spirit will take place this summer as the newly completed henge in Marsh Farm is officially launched with a free, all-day festival.
The Luton Henge Festival will take place on Saturday 26 July 2025, from 12 noon to 9pm, outside Marsh House at the site of the permanent artwork made of eight standing stones. It will be a vibrant celebration of the town’s creativity, community spirit and connection to the landscape, following months of public workshops, consultation and hands-on building.
The festival marks the official opening of Luton Henge – a permanent artwork made of eight standing stones formed from locally quarried Totternhoe chalk, designed by award-winning artist Matthew Rosier in collaboration with local residents. The site, inspired by ancient monuments like Stonehenge and situated close to Waulud’s Bank, is now a unique space for gatherings, performances and quiet reflection.
“Luton Henge is a beautiful new monument and nature-rich community space, connecting to the Chilterns countryside and shaped by the local community,” said Elaine King, Chief Executive of the Chilterns National Landscape.
“Luton’s heritage – from ancient earthworks to 90s rave culture – might not be what people might associate with the countryside, but it’s all part of our connection to the land. Working with Luton’s communities has been a joy. Their enthusiasm and ideas have shaped something truly special.”
The site has already seen its first standing stone ceremony on the summer solstice and a public chalk-packing workshop, where locals helped physically build the henge using traditional earthwork methods. Now, the launch festival will bring everything together in a day full of live music, creative workshops, food, performances and family-friendly activities.
Lindsey Pugh, CEO and creative director of Revoluton Arts, which has produced the project, said: “Witnessing the rise of Luton Henge in recent weeks, outside our home at Marsh House, has been amazing. Luton Henge represents a joyful union of people and a shared creative ambition for Luton that responds to the incredible heritage of Marsh Farm.
“This location holds deep histories of spirituality and ritual – from Neolithic gatherings of people at the source of the River Lea, to contemporary collectives in the 80s and 90s motivated by positive social change and fuelled by music, from reggae and punk to rave. Luton Henge Festival will be an inspiration for future gatherings of people, honouring the past, celebrating the now and defining positive futures for this brilliant new cultural destination.”
Commissioned as part of the Nature Calling programme by the Chilterns National Landscape and delivered by Revoluton Arts, Luton Henge has been shaped by the community from the beginning. Through walks, workshops and the newly formed Luton Henge Collective – a group of local volunteers – the space has emerged as a place rooted in Luton’s people and past.
Organisers say, the event marks a significant milestone for the town, inviting the community and wider audiences to witness how Lutonians are proving that you can make it here — and share it with the world.
The festival is free and open to all, with more details and a full line-up to be announced in the coming weeks. For more information go to: www.revolutonarts.com
