Beyond luton carnival 50

At its height, Luton Carnival was Europe’s largest one‑day celebration, rooted in the town’s vibrant Afro‑Caribbean spirit. As the 50th anniversary approaches, a new community‑led project is capturing the creative energy and cultural pride behind the event.

‘Beyond Luton Carnival 50’ is a project produced by Bedfordshire-based creatives Jade Scott (ITV, Sony) and Gabrielle Smith (thenublk, CNN, Adobe), in partnership with photographer Karis Beaumont (Bumpkin Files, DAZED, New York Times), the programme is grounded in a shared commitment to documenting Black life through story, image, and archive.

Bumpkin Files is an archive and journal exploring the underrepresented corners of Black British life. Bumpkin Files amplifies stories from across the diaspora, while challenging the monolithic narrative of Black life in Britain by documenting and celebrating the rich, diverse, and long-standing communities throughout the UK.

At its core, this project is about continuing a legacy. Carnival and Caribbean culture have shaped Luton for generations, and ensuring that young people feel connected to that heritage is vital.

By creating spaces rooted in community memory and cultural pride, the project aims to ensure that the spirit of Carnival, its creativity, unity, and significance, remains alive for the next generation.