For Love Luton, the early months of the year are dedicated to planning and preparing for the events and initiatives that bring our community together. We’ve been meeting with our valued partners, confirming dates, and shaping a full calendar for 2026. February also saw the awarding of our first two Community Award Funds of the year. These quarterly grants support local charities, CICs and community groups to deliver projects that make a real difference. The application process is simple and accessible, and we encourage groups of all sizes to apply at: https://loveluton.org.uk/community-award-fund
National Apprenticeship Week was another highlight, with Luton hosting its second Apprenticeship Awards. The event celebrated the achievements of our apprentices and the employers who champion them. Apprenticeships remain a powerful route into learning and development, and the evening was a reminder of the talent and ambition we have in our town. Congratulations once again to all the winners and thank you to every organisation involved.
On 25 February, Luton marked a major milestone: 150 years since becoming a borough. The Town Hall was illuminated to celebrate the occasion, and Love Luton was honoured to attend the official service last Friday. Hosted by Luton Council’s Chief Executive, Mark Fowler, the event brought together dignitaries, faith leaders and community representatives.
Local historian Paul Hammond delivered a fascinating reflection on Luton’s past, and we enjoyed outstanding performances from Next Generation Youth Theatre and Kadam Dance. The ceremony concluded with a poem by Lee Nelson, a commemorative tree planting, and the placing of ribbons on the Tree of Hope, a symbolic moment to honour our history while looking forward with optimism. I encourage everyone to visit the tree and add their own message of hope for the future.
The #Luton150 celebrations continue throughout the year, with a full programme of events including the 50th anniversary of Luton International Carnival, returning to Wardown Park, as well as two brand-new events: Proms in the Park and Party in the Park. Love Luton will also be delivering RunFest and Luton’s Best Awards, making 2026 a year to remember.
This year also marks my own 25th anniversary of working for the town I was born and raised in. I began my role on 5 February 2001, and since then I’ve had the privilege of helping deliver some of Luton’s most memorable moments from the Olympic Torch Relay and Lewis Hamilton’s visit in 2012, to the Premier League homecoming parade and Radio 1’s Big Weekend. Luton has given so much to me, my family and my friends. It is a town full of opportunity, resilience and heart. My passion for Luton drives everything I do, and it remains an honour to serve this community.
I invite you to visit the Tree of Hope, share your message for the future, and join us throughout the year as we celebrate everything that makes Luton special. The next event in the programme is the St Patrick’s Day celebrations on 14 March 2026. For more information about the Luton 150 celebrations, visit the website https://place.stepforwardluton.co.uk/luton150
Sinead McNamara, Co-Director of Love Luton
4. Contributed
Tree planting with the Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff and Mayor of Luton Photo: Submitted