5th July 2016: The official launch of Luton’s Cultural Quarter attracted crowds of visitors into the town centre at the weekend.
The three day line-up of entertainment started on Friday 1st July, with around 80 local businesses and community leaders attending a presentation and ribbon cutting at Youthscape. James Bond entertained the crowds on the big screen, which broadcast the 007 blockbuster ‘Spectre’ and on Saturday visitors were treated to family movie screenings, circus workshops and entertainment from local artists.
Sunday proved another highlight, with the sunshine pulling in the crowds to the Bute Street area of Luton town centre, where they visited the Designer Makers Fayre and enjoyed live theatre, dance and music.
Gavin O’Brien, Chair of Luton BID and director of town centre business Clearhead, said: “During the weekend our BID Ambassadors as well as entertainers gave out nearly 4,000 of our events flyers as well as information about the Luton Culture upcoming programme. There was a huge buzz about Luton and we are delighted to have sponsored the launch of this vibrant, creative and dynamic area in Luton town centre.”
The Cultural Quarter is a collection of creative businesses, independent retailers, restaurants and event venues with live entertainment in the Bute and Guildford street area. The space already hosts regular events, gigs, live entertainment and festivals, and is home to the £3.2 million Youthscape building and Luton’s very own Jazz & Blues Club.
The Cultural Quarter celebrations, organised by Luton Borough Council in partnership with Luton BID, London Luton Airport Limited, Love Luton and Luton Culture, continue next Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10 and then again the following Saturday, July 16.