A Luton arts organisation has condemned the riots that have whipped up racism and hate across the country and promised to keep celebrating a town “enriched” by its diverse communities.
Revoluton Arts have been operating in the town since 2015 and are the driving force behind many cultural programmes such as last November’s outdoor street performance extravaganza, which saw hundreds of Lutonians line the streets for the one night only illuminated parade of French Lampadophores puppets that started in Bury Park and ended in St George’s Square, Luton.
But on the streets of major English and Northen Irish cities over the last week a wave of race riots, violence and vandalism, dubbed “far right thuggery” by Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer, has erupted since false accusations spread that the killer of three young girls in Southport was a refugee.
This week local leaders in Luton have reacted to unsubstantiated rumours posted online that the town would be besieged by disorder, urging people not to spread online disinformation while Bedfordshire Police saying they are “well prepared to take action” should any disorder take place.
And Revoluton Arts have responded to say that they will continue to celebrate the town’s diverse population.
A statement posted on the arts organisation’s Facebook page, said: “We are deeply shocked by the scenes of violence that have taken place across the country over the past week. We stand in solidarity with communities across the country, and in Luton, in the face of racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, or any form of hate.
“It is people that make a place, and Luton is beautiful in its diversity and cultural heritage – a place enriched through migrant stories and identity. It is a place that is warm, generous and welcoming.
“We will continue in our mission to listen and connect with Lutonians, celebrating the town’s super-diversity and creating spaces where people can be together with belonging and compassion.”
