Luton International Carnival will return to Wardown Park this spring in what organisers and councillors have described as a homecoming for one of the town’s most significant cultural events.
The move marks the first time in over five years the carnival will be staged in the park and comes as the event prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary alongside the 150th anniversary of Luton becoming a borough.
The UK’s largest one-day carnival will take place on Sunday 24 May 2026, with the parade travelling from Luton town centre to Wardown Park, where the main celebrations will be held from midday until 6pm.
Organisers said the decision to return to Wardown Park reflected strong community feeling and a desire to reconnect the carnival with its roots.
Steve Pascal, executive producer at the UK Centre for Carnival Arts, said the announcement marked the beginning of a new phase for the event.
He wrote on Facebook that the announcement, “represents the start of a next stage. Another phase of the ever changing face of Carnival in Luton and Carnival festivals throughout the UK.
“In Luton, UKCCA strives to consolidate an event for the diverse people of Luton and Bedfordshire. Our USP and vision for the event is that it is accessible, sustainable and viable.
“This can only be achieved with the support of Lutonians and essential stakeholders such as Luton Borough Council and our headline sponsor Luton Rising, who have steadfastly supported the event, which is not a trend obvious around the country these days. There is more to come so watch this space.”
The carnival, which was first held in 1976 and inspired by African-Caribbean culture, typically attracts around 25,000 visitors. Prior to the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in 2020, organisers had moved the event into the town centre, but confirmed the return to Wardown Park was in response to the community’s wishes.
Luton councillor Javeria Hussain, portfolio holder for culture and vice chair of Luton Rising, said the location carried deep significance.
“Carnival is returning to its roots,” she told the BBC, adding: “To be able to return to its spiritual home, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, means a lot.”
Luton Rising, the council-owned company that owns London Luton Airport, has been confirmed as headline sponsor, with organisers saying its backing would help deliver a greener and more sustainable event.
A statement from Luton Rising said it was “incredibly proud” to support the carnival in partnership with Luton Council, describing Wardown Park as “the perfect backdrop for a day filled with joy, creativity and community spirit”.
Thirteen local schools and one nursery will take part in the main parade, highlighting the event’s role in inspiring young people and ensuring the carnival tradition continues for future generations.
Alongside its vibrant artistry, this year’s carnival is set to be greener than ever, with performers and float designers embracing more sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices. This year’s float will invite participants to showcase their creativity through the GOLD theme, celebrating bold, vibrant and imaginative designs inspired by gold.
Later this month, Luton Council will be launching the programme for the year, featuring over 150 events and activities to celebrate the town’s milestone, including some new events taking place this year.
Leader of the council, Cllr Hazel Simmons, said: “For 50 years, the Luton International Carnival has been a symbol of everything that makes Luton special, including our diversity, our energy, and our togetherness. It brings joy and pride to our town and attracts visitors from across the country.
“This golden anniversary is a chance to celebrate the incredible impact of the Carnival as the town’s showpiece event, as we celebrate 150 years of Luton Borough Status in 2026. With the Luton Council Carnival Band leading by example and our call to ‘Participate, not spectate’, we are delighted to support its return to its traditional home in Wardown Park to mark this milestone.”
Tony Isles, Chair of UKCCA, added: “This is a huge milestone for Luton’s carnival heritage and for UKCCA, which has worked for decades to nurture creativity, inclusion, and artistic excellence through carnival arts.
“With schools, families, and creative groups leading the way and with greener floats than ever before, this year’s event will honour the pioneers who built this incredible tradition while inspiring the next generation to carry it forward. We’re delighted to have Luton Rising’s support in making this 50th celebration truly unforgettable.”
This year’s carnival will feature a grand procession through Luton’s town centre before culminating in Wardown Park, where visitors can enjoy live music stages, international food stalls, family activities, and colourful performances.
As Carnival Champions, Eastenders actor Colin Salmon and artist Fiona Hawthorne will join the celebrations by performing with their steel band, UFO, alongside a series of pop-up exhibitions and community events running throughout the spring to mark this golden anniversary year.
The return to Wardown Park will also form part of a wider programme of events marking Luton’s borough 150th anniversary year, with council leaders viewing the carnival as a flagship moment in the celebrations.
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