Thousands turn out for Luton’s biggest party

After months of hard work and preparation, the town burst into life as carnival atmosphere swept over everyone involved.

The highlight of the day was the enormous procession from Wardown Park through Luton’s streets.

More than 1,000 people made up the parade sporting unique and incredible costumes featuring everything from sweet jars to 15-feet tall sun queens on show.

This year’s epic costumes, dance and live music demonstrated how designers, makers, musicians and dancers work together to push the boundaries of artistic excellence and performance skills.

Each group stopped at the Ramp Stage in St George’s Square to give a performance to the carnival judges.

More than 30 groups took part in this year’s carnival procession, with 20 of them coming from Luton and the others being unique acts from national carnival arts organisations from all over the country.

Local carnival groups were joined by schools that had spent weeks learning all about carnival arts, and charities including Samaritans and Keech Hospice Care.