Luton lights up for Christmas as crowds brave the rain to enjoy music and entertainment

Luton Lights Up For Christmas was a free event, which started with bauble decorating activities run by Luton Point in Central Square.

Live music and street performances followed in the afternoon outside the town hall, with performers on the main stage including a brass band led by Simon Router from the Luton Music Service, singers from Revolution Arts, The Meerkats, Luton Youth Rock Band and Luton Youth Funk Band.

Paddington Bear was in attendance as a special guest throughout the day meeting excited youngsters, while other walkabout acts that appeared included a giant gingerbread man, a giant bauble, an elf, a light up LED fairy and two giant reindeers on stilts.

The main light switch-on was conducted by Mayor Amy Nicholls, who was joined by fellow councillors James Taylor and Javeria Hussain for the pressing of the button.

It is estimated that 1,000 people attended the programme of events throughout the day, which was sponsored by Luton Rising, with the festive activities funded by Luton BID and Luton Point.

Meanwhile, switch-on events will be happening in neighbourhoods across the town - with 20 new community Christmas trees.

The trees, one for each ward, are part of a new council-led initiative to bring people together, made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Luton’s Fairness Taskforce, and the support of ward councillors from all political parties.

Councillor Hazel Simmons MBE, leader of Luton Council, said: “We are thrilled to bring festive sparkle to all 20 wards in Luton this year. At a time when community matters more than ever, we hope these trees help bring people together, create joy, and strengthen the spirit that makes Luton such a special place.”

Jerry Pert, operations director for VolkerHighways, the council’s highways contractor, said: “We are pleased to support this initiative by delivering and installing the community Christmas trees across the town. It’s a privilege to help bring this festive project to life, and we look forward to seeing the trees brighten neighbourhoods throughout Luton.”

Ward light switch-on events run from Tuesday, November 25 to December 11. Tree locations and event details are listed below. More details of the events can be found on the Luton Social Justice Unit's Facebook page.

Central: Luton Railway Station forecourt

Lewsey: St Dominics Square: Tuesday, November 25, 6pm

South: New Town Park, New Town Road on junction of Albert Road: Thursday, November 27 from 4.30pm (lights turn on at 5pm)

Bramingham: Corner of Barton Road & Warden Hill: Friday, November 28 from 4pm (lights turn on at 4.30pm)

Leagrave: Hockwell Ring Community Centre: Friday, November 28 from 4pm (lights turn on at 4.30pm)

Northwell: Marsh Farm Shopping Centre: Sunday, November 30 from 4.30pm (lights turn on at 5pm)

Poets: Chalk Hills Academy: Monday, December 1 from 4pm (lights turn on at 4.30pm)

Barnfield: Bushmead Community Hub: Tuesday, December 2 from 6pm (lights turn on at 6.30pm)

Beech Hill: Bury Park Community Centre: Tuesday, December 2 6.30pm

Saints: Trinity Road Community Centre: Wednesday, December 3 from 4pm

Sundon Park: Sundon Park Parade: Thursday, December 4 from 3.45pm (lights turn on at 4.15pm)

Farley: Market Square: Thursday, December 4 from 5pm (lights turn-on at 5.30pm)

High Town: The Bricklayer Arms: Saturday, December 4.30pm

Dallow: St Peter’s Park: Saturday, December 6 4pm

Stopsley: War Memorial: Monday, December 8 4pm

Challney: Chaul End Community Centre: Tuesday, December 9 5.30pm

Vauxhall and Wigmore: Raynham Way Community Centre: Sunday, December 7 5pm

Round Green: St Christopher’s Church: Thursday, December 11 7.30pm

Biscot: Biscott Mill Pub: The light switch-on event for Biscot will be confirmed shortly, follow @LutonSJU on social media for confirmation.