Park events in Luton raise concerns about noise and road closures

Two major events are taking place at Stockwood Park – Party in the Park on Saturday, September 12, followed by Proms in the Park on Sunday, September 13, as part of Luton’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The council is also considering holding more live events at Stockwood Park following the success of Radio 1’s Big Weekend in 2024.

Temporary traffic restrictions will be in place across September 12 and 13 – but councillor Steven Stephens said he was “furious” his request for West Hill Road and Cutenhoe Road to be included in road closures for the event had not been acted on.

He said that after weeks of waiting, he did not receive a response until he complained to the council’s corporate director on August 27.

Cllr Stephens says he is concerned visitors could park on Cutenhoe Road during the events – which has a resident parking scheme from Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm, but no restrictions at weekends.

He said: “I am certain that visitors will try to park in Cutenhoe Road during these events.

“This heavy traffic is causing damage to the road and schools will be back next week, including the schools in Cutenhoe Road. This is an added danger to the school children.

"What residents do not want is the added annoyance of nuisance parking in Cutenhoe Road during these events.”

Cllr Stephens told The Luton News that concerns have also been raised by residents in Whitehill and the London Road area about the impact of repeated events on communities around Stockwood Park – including noise and disruption, as well as how often large events are held on the Farley Hill side of the park.

He questions had also been raised over advance information on stage locations, security arrangements and how rubbish, glass and other waste will be cleared after events.

But he added that he backed the plans for an annual event in the park.

He said: “If this year’s Party in the Park is judged to be a success after the event, I would be happy for it to be continued as an annual event, as we do need to host more live music events in the town to attract both visitors from Luton, as well as external visitors.”

Luton Borough Council said it had received a “small number” of questions and concerns, mainly from residents living around Stockwood Park about access, which it has responded to directly.

Letters were delivered to surrounding residents ahead of Party in the Park, inviting them to drop-in sessions on July 13. The council said the sessions were mainly attended by businesses, with one resident attending.

As part of the licensing process, residents living within 100 metres of the event site were also contacted. One relevant representation was received and considered by the Licensing Sub-Committee.

A Residents’ Protection Zone has also been arranged for Whitehill Avenue and surrounding roads, restricting access to residents with permits, carers and healthcare services.

Meanwhile a “comprehensive" waste and litter plan is in place – which will include removing glass and other potential hazards.

A council spokesperson said: “The traffic management arrangements take account of resident and business feedback, access to properties, protection from nuisance parking, on-site parking and pick-up and drop-off arrangements, and the wider transport network. These considerations informed the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order for the event.

“The Party in the Park event is being held in an area of the park that has not been used for events since the Radio 1 Big Weekend in 2024. The location of each event is considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account its size, nature and the most appropriate area of the park.

“This summer, the council has delivered five free outdoor live music events in the town centre, three of which ran into the evening. Some were delivered in collaboration with local pubs and live music venues, attracting more than 3,000 people into the town centre.

“The council is keen to build on this work and continue working with local venues to deliver further outdoor live music and events in future.”