Welcome to Carnival
A Spectacular Celebration of our community
UKCCA at the Bula Festival 2025
Celebrating Pacific Culture in the UK
We’re proud to announce that UKCCA will be taking part in the 2025 Bula Festival UK! A vibrant, intergenerational celebration where Fiji meets the UK in a joyful showcase of Pacific culture, music, sport, fashion, memory, and community spirit.
This free festival brings together the bold colours, rhythms, and traditions of the Pacific Islands in one unforgettable experience. UKCCA will be there in costume, joining the carnival procession and festivities as we celebrate diversity, unity, and cultural expression.
What to Expect:
Live music & choirs
Dance & fashion
Sport & performance
Carnival energy
Island soul
Whether you're coming with family, friends, or community groups, this is a celebration for everyone.
Visit the official festival website for full details: bulafestival.co.uk
Come join UKCCA as we bring the spirit of Carnival to this beautiful celebration of the Pacific. See you there!
UKCCA at Leighton–Linslade Carnival – Saturday 12th July
Last Saturday was unforgettable! UKCCA proudly joined the Leighton–Linslade Carnival parade, as the scorching sunshine brought crowds lining the streets from Mentmore Road to Parsons Close Recreation Ground.
Dressed in vibrant costume, our UKCCA members brought rhythm, colour, and energy to this year’s “Games”-themed procession. As part of the walking section, we marched alongside local groups, floating entries, and spectacular performers from Luton Carnival Arts.
At Parsons Close, families enjoyed live performances—from samba to theatre—while carnival court and judges applauded the creativity on display. The atmosphere was electric, and we were thrilled to be part of such a historic, community-led celebration, now in its 60+ year legacy.
Highlights of the Day
Interactive Costumes: UKCCA’s vibrant outfits added flair and movement to the procession.
Carnival Atmosphere: UKCCA marched among local ensembles, cheering crowds and cheering kids.
Community Spirit: A true celebration of creativity, culture, and community pride.
A huge thank you to the Leighton–Linslade Carnival organisers and volunteers for hosting another spectacular event in perfect weather! 🌞
We’re already excited for Carnival 2026—see you there! 🎊
Read more here: Leighton Linslade Carnival 2025
BBC 3CR LIVE from the UKCCA!
We were thrilled to welcome BBC Three Counties Radio to the UK Centre for Carnival Arts on Friday 27th June for a special live broadcast from 6am to 10am for the Andy Collinas breakfast show, right here at the heart of our centre!
The morning was filled with live interviews and fantastic energy as members of the public dropped in to experience the show as it happened. A huge thank you to our Executive Director Claudette Whittingham and Executive Producer, Steve Pascal who joined the conversation live, alongside Ruth Reid from our Artistic Development Programme and her son MJ, as well as resident artist Steve Howe who also featured live on air.
It was a brilliant celebration of our community, creativity, and all that UKCCA stands for.
📻 Missed the show? You can catch up now on BBC Sounds!
Environmental Ambition
In 2023 with the support of Luton’s Greener Future Fund, we embarked on our journey in reducing Luton Carnival’s CO2 emissions and upskilling local artists and students in suitable practices.
Steel Pan Classes Every Saturday at UKCCA!
Looking to learn the rhythm of the islands? Join us for Steel Pan Classes every Saturday at UKCCA! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, our expert instructors will guide you through the exciting world of steel pan music.
What’s included?
Hands-on steel pan lessons
Fun & interactive classes for all levels
Learn traditional & modern Caribbean tunes
No prior experience needed
When? Saturdays
Time: 11.15-12.45
Where? UKCCA, St Marys Road, LU1 3JA
Don’t miss out on the rhythm, the culture, and the fun! Secure your spot today!
For more info & to book, call 07712429586 or email info@steelpaninmotion.co
See you there!
JOURNAL OF FESTIVAL CULTURE INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS
Festival Culture & Research Education
The Foyle Foundation Artist Development Programme
The Foyle Foundation Artist Development Programme was launched in September 2023. The programme supports artists to develop their carnival arts and creative knowledge and skills. The programme also provides arts administration and business support so the participants can become established working artists.
