Parade 2025

Get Ready for the 50th anniversary of Luton International Carnival

Sunday 24th May, 2026 - Venue TBC

Stay Tuned for more Details

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Stay Tuned for more Details 〰️

What a brilliant day we had at the 49th Luton International Carnival

On Sunday 25th May, Luton Town Centre was absolutely buzzing with the most fantastic "Back to the Future" themed celebration you could imagine! From 12 noon to 6pm, our incredible community came together for a kaleidoscopic journey through time that was pure carnival magic. With approximately 700 participants strutting their stuff in fantastically futuristic costumes, our parade was led by local legend Colin Salmon, alongside amazing community groups and costume bands from across the UK, including our very own Mas Incorporated. The streets were alive with steel pan music, e-cargo bikes weaving through the procession, and a beautiful mix of cultures, ages, and communities all dancing together. From UKCCA's commitment to bringing people together regardless of background or ability, to our planet-friendly green initiatives using recycled materials and electric-powered sound systems, this year's carnival was a brilliant example of how Luton celebrates its diversity whilst looking after our future. It truly was one big, happy eco-system of family fun that brought yesterday, today, and tomorrow together in the most spectacular way!

49th Luton International Carnival Recap

What an incredible start to carnival day! Families kicked off the festivities early with Astro Aaron's Space Blast Off Adventure at Luton Central Library, where the special early session for children with special needs was absolutely heartwarming, followed by the buzzing general session at noon that had everyone ready for the day ahead.

The energy was already building brilliantly at the interactive Carnival Workshop at Luton Point, where families truly got to 'participate, not spectate' - what a fantastic way to get everyone involved! Then came that electric moment we'd all been waiting for - the crowd gathering at St George's Square just before 1pm, with anticipation crackling in the air for the official parade kick-off!

And what a launch it was! The 49th Luton International Carnival burst into life from Church Street with such style - the Mayor of Luton and our brilliant Carnival Champion Colin Salmon officially kicked off the festivities with huge smiles and even bigger energy. The parade was absolutely spectacular with those vibrant costumes catching the sunlight and the lively music getting everyone dancing along the streets. Did you spot Luton Council's Chief Executive in costume? What a sport! Watching the parade wind its way through our beautiful town centre was pure carnival magic at its finest!

A massive thank you to all our incredible bands and community groups who made this year's carnival absolutely unforgettable! What a brilliant showcase of Luton's diversity we had, with Luton Council Costume Band leading the way alongside Pioneer Learning Trust and Luton Town Football Club showing their carnival spirit. The energy from Ferrar Academy School was infectious, whilst Bedfordshire Police Community brought smiles to everyone's faces. We were thrilled to see Alif New Beginning, United Nations Association Luton, Luton Keralites, and Luton Malagali Samajam celebrating our multicultural community in such vibrant style. The rhythms from Windrush 19 Band and Afcamovement had everyone dancing, while our very own Mas Incorporated and the Samaritans showed what community spirit is all about. St Kitts Nevis and Friends brought that authentic Caribbean flair, and Original Step Performers from Leicester absolutely smashed it with their moves. The Ghana Society's colourful presence was magnificent, whilst History Knights added their unique twist to our "Back to the Future" theme. Roma Trust's participation was wonderful to see, and Gres Paraiso School of Samba brought that Brazilian carnival magic that got everyone's hearts pumping. Pride in Luton's joyful celebration was inspiring, Zodiac All Stars travelled from Nottingham to join our party, Supreme Brass Band's music filled the streets with pure joy, and Mas Africa from London brought that authentic carnival energy. Every single group contributed something special that made our 49th carnival the incredible celebration it was - you are all absolute stars!

Accessibility at Luton International Carnival

The 49th Luton International Carnival was absolutely committed to creating an inclusive experience for all our visitors, and what a wonderful success it was! We had professional BSL interpreters from Converse BSL in St. George's Square, with signing brilliantly displayed on our large LED screen so everyone could follow along with the festivities. Our dedicated wheelchair viewing area in the same location worked perfectly, ensuring everyone had fantastic views of all the performances. Families with SEND children had a brilliant time with Astro Aaron's special storytelling session at Luton Central Library - it was such a hit and we were thrilled to see so many families taking part. When anyone needed a breather, our Step Forward Luton Chill Out Zone at Hat Gardens, Bute Street provided the perfect calm space away from all the carnival excitement. It was absolutely wonderful to see that everyone truly was welcome at our carnival, and the inclusive atmosphere was one of the highlights of the day!