50 years of Luton Carnival exhibition to open at Central Library

Beyond Luton Carnival 50 will run from Saturday, October 3 to Friday, October 23, celebrating the Afro-Caribbean communities who have helped shape the town’s carnival tradition over the past five decades.

The exhibition features portrait and documentary photography by Hertfordshire photographer Karis Beaumont, whose work has appeared in British Vogue and Rolling Stone.

It will also include personal photographs and artefacts from Luton residents, documenting the people, places and memories connected to the carnival and the wider Black community.

The exhibition comes during Luton Carnival’s 50th anniversary year, as part of a series of events marking the parade’s history and its place in the town’s cultural identity.

It explores the role of sound systems, steel-pan players, costume makers and bands, as well as the youth halls, sports clubs, associations, pubs and dance halls that provided spaces for the community.

Producers Gabrielle Smith and Jade Scott said: “We are proud to share this introductory offering, pulling together stories that have shaped local life across generations.

“At its heart, this project speaks to legacy, belonging, and cultural continuity.

“As Britain reflects on the histories that have shaped its identity, this work ensures that the story of Luton Carnival and the Caribbean community who have shaped it are recognised and the legacy is carried forward.”

Karis Beaumont said: “Working on Beyond Luton Carnival 50 has been a beautiful and deeply informative experience for me.

“Meeting people and learning more about the history of Luton’s community has brought back memories of the feelings I had growing up, particularly when attending family gatherings in Luton as a child and teenager.

“Although I wasn’t actively involved in the community at the time, I could always recognise the strong sense of connection that existed.”

Luton councillor Jacqui Burnett, who was photographed for the project, said: “As a descendant of the Windrush Generation, this work has allowed me to honour my elders and ancestors by ensuring our stories are not lost.

“What began as lived experience is now recognised as a significant part of both Luton’s history and the wider tapestry of British history.”

As well as the photography, the public programme will include workshops, talks and conversations with members of the creative team and cultural figures involved in sound and costume design.

The organisers say the events will give visitors an opportunity to reflect on the exhibition and share their own memories and experiences.

The Beyond Luton Carnival 50 exhibition has been supported by the Luton Art Fund and will be on display at Luton Central Library from October 3 to 23.