History of Luton carnival

Processions have always been a feature of celebrations in Luton. Guild Feasts began in Luton in the late 1400s ad these would include a procession. We have evidence for this in account books held in Bedford Record Office.

Jubilee celebrations were popular under Queen Victoria, due to increased communications across the country and the length of Victorias reign (63 years, the longest of any British monarch).

1896 – In Luton they held a procession to celebrate the opening of the Plait Halls. These were a form of indoor market and opened in 1869. These covered the area that is now The Mall. This is an engraving showing the opening of the new plait halls in 1869, you can use this in the CPD stuff but it cannot be published as its not ours. The Plait Halls were where straw plaits were sold that could be made into hats or bonnets.

A description of the event from the London Illustrated News January 30th 1869 procession, with flags, music, and a guard of rifle volunteers from the Town-hall, through George-street and Cheapside, to the Waller-street entrance. The ceremony of opening took place in the Plait Hall on that side, which had been decorated with mottoes beautifully worked in straw, and hung upon the walls, besides ornamental sheaves of wheatstraw, evergreen garlands, and banners.

The Peace Day Riots:

Saturday July 19th 1919 was a national day of celebrations. In Luton, events started with a procession to the Town Hall from Luton Hoo. A photograph of this is held by the museum, they have said they will email it to me soon, this is of a float called Peace Enthroned.

Angry at the lack of jobs (servicemen had been promised that post-war Britain would be a Land fit for Heroes by the government) and the continuation of rationing, some ration books were set on fire and this quickly spread. The result was that the whole town hall was burnt down. Although riots also broke out in other towns and cities on this day, Luton was the only place to lose the whole building.

The Silver Jubilee of George V in 1935 also saw a lot of street processions in Luton.

1939-1945 The Second World War. Carnivals and parades were held during this time to raise money for the war effort.

1945 – The heyday of the street party was VE Day which marked the end of war in Europe.

1950s – St Georges day parades were popular and focused on a parade of Scouts and Servicemen.