UK Centre for Carnival Arts

UK Centre for Carnival Arts UK Centre for Carnival Arts (UKCCA) is a dedicated organisation and centre promoting excellence within carnival arts.

We support and champion the work of Carnival Groups across the UK and facilitate carnival education in Luton and the surrounding areas. We host the annual Luton International Carnival promoting cohesion and inclusion in the community. The UKCCA mission is to:

Champion high quality art that is ambitious, challenging and innovative

Connect, inspire and strengthen the Carnival Arts sector across the UK

Unite, support, develop and sustain the cultural and artistic sector within Luton

🎉 As we celebrate , we want to give a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to the incredible volunteers who helped make LIC26 and ...
01/06/2026

🎉 As we celebrate , we want to give a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to the incredible volunteers who helped make LIC26 and Luton Carnival such a fantastic success this year.
From dreaming up and creating stunning costumes, bringing the parade to life by wearing them with pride, supporting event production and management, helping spread the word through marketing, and taking on countless other roles behind the scenes – your passion, creativity, energy and dedication were at the heart of everything we achieved.

Together with our headline sponsor, sponsors, funders and partners, you helped create an unforgettable celebration for Luton and its communities. Every smile, every performance, every colourful moment was made possible because of people like you who gave their time, talents and enthusiasm so generously.

Luton Carnival simply would not happen without our volunteers. You are the heartbeat of this event, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do.

Thank you for helping us bring the spirit, culture and joy of Carnival to life. 💛

What a Carnival 2026! 🎉Luton International Carnival simply wouldn't happen without the incredible generosity of our spon...
29/05/2026

What a Carnival 2026! 🎉

Luton International Carnival simply wouldn't happen without the incredible generosity of our sponsors and partners — thank you all for believing in us and helping bring this celebration of culture, colour and community to the streets of Luton.

A huge, heartfelt shout out to our Headline Sponsor, Luton Rising 💚 — your support is the foundation that makes this event possible year after year. We are so grateful.

To every sponsor, partner, performer, volunteer and reveller who played a part: thank you. You make Luton shine.

See you next year! ✨

Luton Rising

26/05/2026

🔥🎭 WHAT A DAY! 🎭🔥

The energy has been incredible, the costumes amazing and the atmosphere absolutely electric! 💛✨

A huge thank you to everyone who has joined us so far to celebrate 50 golden years of Luton Carnival. From the moment we set off from the town centre, down the road to Wardown Park, the atmosphere was electric! From the vibrant parade to the music, dancing, food and family activities — you've made today truly special. 🌈🥁

Keep the energy going, Luton — we're not done yet! 💛✨

Luton Rising

26/05/2026

✨🎉 THE VIBES AT LUTON CARNIVAL WERE UNMATCHED! 🎉✨

Wardown Park was alive with music, colour, culture and community as thousands came together to celebrate 50 years of Luton Carnival! 💛🥁

From incredible performances and spectacular costumes to delicious food and non-stop entertainment, the energy today was absolutely amazing. 🌈🔥

📸 Keep sharing your photos and videos and don’t forget to tag us!

Thank you to Luton Rising for their support for Luton Carnival. Without them this event would not have been possible!

Today's the day! 🎉Luton International Carnival turns 50 and we're back home at Wardown Park — a full day of music, masqu...
24/05/2026

Today's the day! 🎉

Luton International Carnival turns 50 and we're back home at Wardown Park — a full day of music, masquerade, food stalls and family fun. Whether you're 5 or 85 (or anywhere in between), there's something for everyone.

Come see African drums and Forever.

Bring your sunscreen, bring your water, come and enjoy ☀️💛

Sunday 24 May | 12pm – 6pm | Wardown Park, LU2 7HL
Parade rolls from Luton Town Centre 🥁✨

Luton RisingLutonRising

🗺️ YOUR CARNIVAL MAP IS HERE! 🎭✨Planning your day at Luton Carnival just got easier 💛Use this map to find everything you...
23/05/2026

🗺️ YOUR CARNIVAL MAP IS HERE! 🎭✨

Planning your day at Luton Carnival just got easier 💛

Use this map to find everything you need, including:📍 DJ Zone📍 Ramp Stage📍 Quiet Zone📍 Food & Drink Vendors📍 Toilets📍 First Aid📍 Accessibility Facilities📍 Family Activities

As we celebrate 50 golden years of carnival, we can’t wait to welcome you to a day filled with music, culture, community and unforgettable memories. 🌈🥁

📲 Save this post and share it with your carnival crew so you’re ready for the big day!

Thank you to Luton Rising for their support for Luton Carnival.

Luton Rising

🎉 Heading to Luton Carnival this year? Make a weekend of it!We're delighted to offer Carnival-goers an exclusive discoun...
22/05/2026

🎉 Heading to Luton Carnival this year? Make a weekend of it!

We're delighted to offer Carnival-goers an exclusive discount on stays at the Thistle Hotel — just a short hop from all the action.

Whether you're dancing through the parade, soaking up the music, or bringing the whole family along, treat yourself to a comfortable stay without the long journey home.

📱 Simply scan the QR code below to generate your discount.

See you at the Carnival on Sunday! 🎶✨

Luton Rising

🎉 A very special visitor at the UKCCA today! 🎉We were delighted to welcome the new Mayor of Luton, Councillor Javed Huss...
21/05/2026

🎉 A very special visitor at the UKCCA today! 🎉

We were delighted to welcome the new Mayor of Luton, Councillor Javed Hussein, to the centre this afternoon for his very own costume fitting ahead of Luton International Carnival! ✨

From straps and ribbons to a stunning set of wings, the Mayor got the full treatment from our brilliant carnival artists — and we think you'll agree, he wears it beautifully! 🦋🌈

A huge thank you to Mayor Hussein for taking the time to visit, try on his costume, and share in the excitement of what's shaping up to be an unforgettable carnival.

Not long to go now… are YOU ready? 🥁

Thanks to Luton Rising for their support for Luton Carnival.

Luton Rising

🌿 Need a moment to breathe? We've got you. 💛Carnival is energy, music, and colour — but sometimes the best part is findi...
20/05/2026

🌿 Need a moment to breathe? We've got you. 💛

Carnival is energy, music, and colour — but sometimes the best part is finding a quiet corner to simply be.
This year, head to Wardown Museum for the calm heart of our Health & Wellbeing Zone, where you can recharge with:
🧘 Mindfulness sessions ✋ Emotional Freedom Techniques (Tapping) 🎙️ Spoken Word performances

A peaceful, restorative space inside one of Luton's most beautiful buildings — open to everyone during carnival. ✨
Whether you're winding down between performances, taking five with the family, or just need a moment to yourself — this corner of carnival is yours. 💛

🥇 Part of the GO FOR GOLD Health & Wellbeing Zone at Luton International Carnival.

🎪 Luton International Carnival — 50 Years Strong 📅 24th May 2026
Luton Rising

Love carnival? Help us keep it going! 💛🌈The team at UKCCA works all year round to bring Luton International Carnival to ...
18/05/2026

Love carnival? Help us keep it going! 💛🌈

The team at UKCCA works all year round to bring Luton International Carnival to life — and we couldn't do it without the support of our community.

If you'd like to help, please consider making a donation. Every little bit makes a big difference. ✨

👉 https://www.carnivalarts.org.uk/donate

Address

3 St Mary's Road
Luton
LU13JA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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