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Luton Carnival: 50 Years of Unity and Art
23 May
Summary
- The Luton International Carnival is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
- Marilyn Gearing, crowned Luton's first Hat Queen in 1954, remains actively involved.
- The carnival fosters unity across generations and diverse cultural backgrounds.
The Luton International Carnival is celebrating a significant milestone: its 50th anniversary. Originating from Easter bonnet parades in the 1950s and evolving from a 1976 street fair, the carnival has become a cornerstone of the town's cultural landscape. It now stands as a testament to unity, bringing together volunteers, communities, and cultures to create costumes, dance, and celebrate Luton.
Marilyn Gearing, 88, serves as a living link to the carnival's past, having been crowned Luton's first Hat Queen in 1954. She was also present at the 1976 event considered the origin of the current carnival. Gearing actively contributes to costume-making, emphasizing the event's commitment to recycling and community involvement.
Margaret Matthew, 86, originally from St Kitts, highlights the carnival's inclusive nature, stating it's 'an everybody thing.' She leads the St Kitts, Nevis & Friends group, renowned for its award-winning, colorful costumes. Matthew emphasizes the collaborative effort behind costume creation, underscoring that carnival is an art form built on teamwork and shared pride.
