What's On Nov 25 - Apr 26

NOV 25 - APR 26

WHAT ’S ON

Fearless comedy with raw honesty. Celebrating three decades in the business.

Richard Blackwood

The Smiths Ltd and Noasis: Tributes to two great Manchester bands, plus music from all genres Family fun: Looking for family activities? This season we bring you Christmas, FebFest, Easter and lots more!

Welcome

This season The Culture Trust champions togetherness with a programme full of opportunities to socialise, celebrate and embrace the festive spirit and Spring 2026. From electric gigs to razor-sharp comedy, community-led initiatives, exhibitions and family fun, this season is one that celebrates the joy of the arts.

Highlights include our Illuminated Light Trail at Stockwood Discovery Centre, which is bigger and better this December. Santa has moved to Stockwood as well, with exclusive slots in a unique workshop setting, and we can’t wait for the Three Bears family theatre show to start at the Hat Factory.

Don’t miss our packed programme of music and comedy, and do take a look at our Spring offering including FebFest, LGBTIQ+ History Month and Easter events.

As ever, we couldn’t make all this happen without the funding and encouragement of our sponsors – Luton Rising, Luton Council and Arts Council England – many thanks for your support.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our venues soon.

Comedy at the Hat Factory

This season’s comedy at the Hat Factory offers you a mixture of household favourites along with rising stars on the comedy circuit.

This season we are delighted to welcome back Richard Blackwood with his brand-new Unfiltered tour. We also have Tom Lucy, one of the most talked about young comedians, widely celebrated for his appearances on TV shows such as ‘Unforgivable’ (Dave), ‘Stand Up For Live Comedy’ (BBC1) and ‘Dating No Filter’ (Sky1). Ladies of Laughter entertain with their unique styles of humour and Andy

Comedy at the Hat Factory

Cally Beaton: Namaste Motherf*ckers

Thu 13 Nov / 8pm

£20, 18+

Urooj Ashfaq: How to be a Baddie

Thu 20 Nov / 8pm

£16, 14+

Hannah East (WIP)

Sat 22 Nov / 7.30pm

£12, 14+

The Indians are Coming

Sun 23 Nov / 7.30pm

£18, 18+

Tom Lucy: Golden Boy Fri 28 Nov / 8pm

£20, 14+

John Robertson plays with his Audience

Sat 29 Nov / 8pm

Watch him live and you’ll understand the excitement. - The Guardian

Stephen K Amos: Now We're Talking Fri 5 Dec / 8pm

“You’ll laugh until you actually cry”

Sunday Express

Upfront Comedy

Sat 6 Dec / Sat 16 May / 8pm

£15, 18+

Phil Nichol - Trying My Best

Thu 15 Jan / 8pm

£15, 18+

Hal Cruttenden:

Can Dish But Can't Take It

Sat 17 Jan / 8pm

£20, 16+

Richard Blackwood: Unfiltered

Sun 18 Jan / 8pm

£20, 18+

Andy Zaltzman: The Zaltgeist (Tour Warm-Up)

Sat 31 Jan / 7.30pm

£15, 14+ Properly funny... a true original and a true delight. Dominic Maxwell, - The Times

Ladies Of Laughter

Sat 7 Feb / 8pm

£18, 18+

Preet Singh: First Class

Fri 13 Feb / 8pm

£12, 18+

Comedy at the Hat Factory

Darren Walsh: Do You Like Puns?

Sat 21 Feb / 7.30pm

£18, 16+

Fesshole Live

Thu 12 Mar / 8pm

£18, 18+

Kane Brown

Sat 14 Mar / 8.30pm

£19.50, 16+

Meet & Greet £34.50

An Evening With Crissy Rock: From Bedlam To Benidorm

Thu 19 Mar / 8pm

£23, 16+

Russell Hicks

Fri 27 Mar / 8pm

£19, 16+

Ray Bradshaw: CODA

Thu 2 Apr / 7.30pm

£20/£17 Concession, 14+

The Muslims Are Coming

Fri 8 May / 8pm

£18, 18+

Music at the Hat Factory

It’s a great season for music, whatever your preference. Take your pick from punk, rock ‘n’ roll, sound, ska and classical. There really is something for everyone.

The Smiths Ltd provide you with the thrill of experiencing all those Smiths songs played live, and local favourites The BibleCode Sundays return to play their trademark fusion of Irish Traditional Music with the guitar-driven sound of London. Step into the golden glow of the 1970s as Rainy Days, Mondays & Good Old Dreams brings the poignant music of The Carpenters to life.

We also offer a number of late night music and

Music at the Hat Factory

Soul

Kings of Lyon & UK Strokes

Sat 15 Nov / 8pm

£16.50, 16+

Caught In A Lie

Fri 21 Nov / 8pm

£22, 14+

Special Kinda Madness

Sat 22 Nov / 7.30pm

£16, 18+

Boutique Soul

Covering all the hits with such uncanny accuracy you could have closed your eyes and sworn it was Suggs and the gang on stage. - Fan Review

Every 2nd Friday of the month from Nov - Jan / 8pm - 1am Free, 16+

Subsonic Sessions

Fri 28 Nov / 8pm

£7, 25+

Tujhe Dekha: Come Fall in Love Again / Celebrating 30 Years Of DDLJ

Fri 5 Dec / Fri 3 Apr / 7.30pm

£25, 16+

Irish Night with The BibleCode Sundays

Fri 12 Dec / Sat 24 Jan / Fri 1 May / 8.15pm

£11, 18+

The Dekkertones

Sat 13 Dec / 8pm

£16 in advance, £20 on the door, 18+

Chamberlane

Fri 19 Dec / 7.30pm

£10, 14+ (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)

The Real Queens of Bollywood

Fri 16 Jan / 7.30pm

£25, 18+

The Skids & Special Guests

Sun 1 Feb / 4.30pm

£25, 18+

Inspiration

Sat 7 Mar / Sat 30 May / 9pm - 3am

£15, 18+

St Patricks After Party

Sat 14 Mar / 3 - 6pm Free, All Ages

The Smiths

Tribute NIght

Sat 4 Apr / 8.30pm

£17.50 advance

£22 on door, 18+

Carpenters:

I may have missed The Smiths the first time around, but after last night’s show I felt that I was really there back in 1983!

- The Hype Media

The Immersive Experience

Sat 11 Apr / 7.30pm

£18, Suitable for all, aimed at 30+

Say Shava Shava:

Celebrating 25 Years Of K3G

Fri 24 Apr / 7.30pm

£27.50, 14+

Noasis

Sat 25 Apr / 8pm

£17.50 advance or £20 on door, 18+

as close as you can get to the real thing - Fan Review

Arts & Culture

We are always looking for ways to support local creative talent from Luton and further afield in Bedfordshire. This season features a number of local organisations we are thrilled to be showcasing.

The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return, presented by Chalk Line Theatre, a multi-award-winning theatre company from Luton, is returning to the town after a national tour. The play is set right here in our town and follows two best friends in an austeritystricken Luton over one chaotic night. Painting a tapestry of violence and joy, it is a raw collision of friendship and surviva

Open Mic Night, hosted by Lutonian and BGT semi-finalist, Yvonne Michelle, offers all local talent a platform to showcase their talents. And Lee Nelson, renowned local poet and spoken word artist hosts Henry Newman in an Utter! Lutonia special this December.

Colours of a Woman’s Love reimagines the ancient archetypes of the Ashta Nayikas – eight heroines of classical Indian dance – through a contemporary lens. The performance will open with a vibrant curtain raiser, celebrating and showcasing the creativity of early-career dancers. Debbie Ganguli-Patel’s company Satyam Dance, has been shortlisted for the Inspirational Award for Best Creative School/Company in Milton Keynes in 2025.

Events at the Hat Factory

The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return

Thu 27 Nov / 7.30pm

£12/£10 Concessions, 12+

Playwright Sam Edmunds gives us a teens’eye view of the town in the 00s with this arresting account of a house party...an eloquent assessment of how fear can result in fury. - The Guardian

Utter! Lutonia presents Henry Normal

Thu 4 Dec / 8pm

£10/£8 Concessions, 16+

Colours of a Woman's Love (RnD Performance Sharing)

Sat 24 Jan / 4.30pm

£10, 10+

Open Mic Night

Thu 29 Jan / 8pm

£8, 16+

Utter! Lutonia

Thu 5 Mar / Thu 4 Jun / 8pm

£5/£3 Concessions, 16+

Museums & Exhibitions

If you’re looking for culture, history or just a great family day out, our museum sites have lots offer. Admission is free and both venues have a café for lunches, snacks and drinks.

In anticipation of next year’s 20-year anniversary of The Ghana Society, Wardown House, Museum and Gallery displays Adorned: Ghanaian Headwear and Heritage, co-curated with members of the local Ghanaian community. Also at Wardown, local communities can share their stories by adding embroidery to our Calico Dress No 8.

Visitors to Stockwood Discovery Centre should look out for the Luton Made: Vauxhall exhibition, launching in the Spring. Experience everyday life for workers at the Luton plant in Luton during its 120 years.

As a result of our recent Reconnect project, we are also hosting a number of celebration events, including a South Asian Headwear exhibition at Wardown House, an Iftaar celebration at the Hat Factory Arts Centre and the Reconnect Finale at Stockwood.

Office 01582 878 100 www.culturetrust.com

Booking fees apply

Museum Events

Adorned: Ghanaian Headwear and Heritage

Until 18 Jan / (Sun - Thu) 11am - 5pm

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery

Luton Made: Vauxhall Exhibition

Spring 2026 / (Wed - Sun) 10am - 4pm

Free

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Reconnections Community Celebration Events

South Asian Headwear Exhibition

Fri 6 Feb – Sun 29 Mar / 11am - 5pm

Free

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery

Iftaar Celebration

Sat 28 Feb / 5pm - 7pm

Free

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Music In The Museum

Sun 16 Nov / Sun 14 Dec, 2pm - 4pm

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, £15, All Ages

South Asian Classical Music

Sun 15 Feb / Sun 12 Apr / Sun 14 Jun, 2pm - 4pm

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, £15, All Ages

Western Classical Music

Sun 10 May / Sun 12 Jul, 2pm - 4pm

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, £15, All Ages

Reconnec t

Reconnect Finale

Sat 4 Apr / (Wed - Sun) 10am - 4pm

Free

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Regular Listings

Hat Factory Arts Centre

LGBTIQ+ Sunday Socials

Every 3rd Sunday of the month / 1pm - 4pm Free, All Ages

Luton Trans+ Admin Group

Every 1st Tuesday of the month / 6.30pm - 9pm Free, 18+

Queer and Crafty Group

Every 4th Tuesday of the month / 6.30pm - 9pm Free, All Ages

Swirl Nightclub

Last Tuesday of the month / 7pm

£5 / Free Carer Ticket, Strictly 18+

Basement Live

Sat 6 Dec & Sat 21 Feb / 7.45pm

£5, 16+

Comedy Bar

Every 3rd Friday of the month / 7.30pm

£6, 16+

Creative Industry Network Event

Every 2nd Wednesday of the month / 7pm - 9pm Free, Strictly 18+

Soul Cine: Film in Perspective

Fri 14 Nov / Fri 30 Jan / Fri 20 Mar / Fri 29 May

Doors: 6.30pm, Film: 8pm

£8, 16+

Luton Life Drawing

First Saturday of the month from Dec to Apr 2pm - 4pm

£15, 18+

LGBTIQ History Month

Hat Factory Arts Centre

LGBTIQ+ History Month is delivered in partnership with Pride in Luton. Alongside Pride’s regular groups that will run across the month, programme highlights include:

Hasbian, an autobiographical comedy that delves into the reality of growing up queer during Section 28. A queer coming-of-age journey, from childhood to cringey adolescencefrom identifying as a teenage lesbian, to realising boys are also appealing packed with 90s-00s pop culture and a throwback soundtrack.

Fixing, a show about family breakups, learning car maintenance and choosing the right shade of lipstick to do it in. Matt processes the impact of family separation and personal growth through their drag persona Natalie Spanner, who’s knowledgeable about “maintenance” in many forms!

Queer Diaries Open Mic Night

Fri 6 Feb / 8pm

£5, 16+

Fix Yourself Up: Drag Makeup Workshop

Wed 11 Feb / 7.30pm

£10 (Book Fixing and get both for £15), 16+

Fixing

Fri 13 Feb / 8pm

£10 (Book Fix Yourself: Drag Makeup Workshop and get both for £15), 16+

Hasbian

Fri 27 Feb / 7.30pm

£12/£10 concession, 16+

LGBTIQ+ Karaoke Night

Fri 27 Feb / 9pm

Free, ticket required, 18+

Family Events

It’s a great time of year to dip into our family programme. As well as our Christmas offering of Stockwood Illuminated, Santa and The Three Bears, we have a fun-filled Spring 2026 season.

Feb Fest 2026, celebrates 25 years of our partner Full House Theatre and showcases the team’s favourite shows and workshops from the last decade across February half term. One to book in advance!

During March we celebrate World Book Day with adaptations of books by authors Simon Mole and Tom Percival rounded off nicely with a packed programme for Easter break of workshops to engage and inspire complimented with theatre shows to build treasured memories.

The Culture Trust and Osagyefo present Storytelling for Early Years

Tue 11 Nov / Tue 13 Jan / Tue 10 Feb

Tue 10 Mar / 10am

Free, ticket required, 0 - 3 years

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery

Boombastic Silent Family Disco

Sun 16 Nov / 1pm

Earlybird: £10/£35 for 4 | £12 / £42 for 4, All Ages

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Zoom!

Sat 31 Jan / 11.30am & 2pm

£9, 3+

Hat Factory Arts Centre

The Great Big Bug Show

Sun 1 Mar / 11.30am & 2pm

£9, 4 - 11 years

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Ruby's Worry

Sun 8 Mar / 11am, 1.15pm & 3.30pm

£9 or £32 for a family of 4, 3 - 7 years

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Counting Sheep

Sat 21 Mar / 10.30am & 1pm

£7.50, 0 - 3 years

Stockwood Discovery Centre

6 - 24 DEC

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£12.50, 3+ and their families

"A hilarious fairy tale remix!"

Get ready for giggles galore in this wild, high-energy adventure. Perfect for all ages the show celebrates love, laughter and the beauty of families of all shape and sizes. The Three Bears flips the classic fairytale of Goldilocks on its head and is packed full of surprises, slapstick chaos and heart-warming twists.

From the company that brought you Peter Pan & Me and The King’s Polar Bear.

Feb

Fest 16 - 20 FEB x

Clay Play Workshop

Mon 16 Feb / 10.30am & 1pm

£5, 4+

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Half Moon Presents Last Unicorn Airways a Blanket Fort Club production

Mon 16 Feb / 11.30am & 2pm

£5, 4+

Hat Factory Arts Centre

New International Encounter Presents Shakespeare in a Suitcase – Hamlet

Mon 16 Feb / 11.30am & 2pm

£5, 8+

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery

Wendy Shearer Presents Tales that Dance

Tue 17 Feb / 10.30am, 11.30am & 1.30pm

£5, 5+

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Feb Fest is always great. We look forward to attending every year. Great shows at a good price. It is always so fun. - Parent

Get Lost and Found Presents Mischief and Mystery in Moominvalley

Tue 17 Feb / 11.30am & 2pm

£5, 4 - 7 years

Hat Factory Arts Centre

First activity my autistic son joined in with. Brought literal tears to my eyes. Amazing! Thank you! - Parent

Daryl & Co Presents A Square World

Wed 18 Feb / 11.30am & 2pm

£5, 3+

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery

Indepen-Dance Presents Four Go Wild in Wellies

Wed 18 Feb / 11.30am & 2pm

£5, 3 - 5 years

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Full House Theatre Presents Circus Skills Workshop

Thu 19 Feb / 10.30am & 1pm

£5, 5+

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Aakash Odedra Company & Lewis Major Projects Presents Little Murmur

Thu 19 Feb / 2pm

£5, 7+

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Little Murmur Dance Workshop

Thu 19 Feb / 3.30pm

£5, 7+, Tickets for Little Murmur Show must be purchased to access this workshop

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Full House Theatre Presents Big Red Bath Bubble Disco

Fri 20 Feb / 10.30am & 1pm

£5, 2+

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Imagination Station

16 - 20 Feb / 10.45am – 3pm

No need to book, just turn up!

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Activities include arts and crafts, face-painting, storytelling, music and more!

SEND friendly opening every morning 10.15am – 10.45am. During these sessions we’ll be keeping the lights up, the music low and limiting numbers to ensure a calm, gentle experience.

All shows and workshops must be booked in advance.

Easter Holidays

28 MAR - 11 APR

The Zoo That Comes To You

Easter Clay Club!

Animal Paper Craft Sessions

Sat 28 & Sun 29 Mar / (Wed - Sun) 11am - 3pm

Free, All Ages

Stockwood Discovery Centre

The Zoo That Comes To You

Sun 29 Mar / 11.30am & 2pm

£9, 5+

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Easter Clay Play! With Lugus Ceramics

Mon 30 Mar / 11.30am & 2pm

£8.50, 4 - 11 years

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Rapunzel

Tue 31 Mar / 11.30am & 2pm

£9, 4+

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Creative Crowns

Wed 1 Apr / Wed 8 Apr / 11.30am

Free - Drop In, 3 - 7 years

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery

Easter at Stockwood

Thu 2 - Sun 5 Apr / 11am, 1pm & 3pm

£4, 3+

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Family Film Club: Shrek

Tue 7 Apr / 10.30am

£4 or 4 for £12, Rated U

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Nature Nonsense

Tue 7 - Fri 11 Apr / (Wed - Sun) 11am - 3pm

Free, All Ages

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Gaby Gullivers Travels

Thu 9 Apr / 11.30am & 2pm

£9, 5+

Hat Factory Arts Centre

So Unfair

Sat 11 Apr / 11.30am & 2pm

£9, 7 - 12 years

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Creative Industry Network

The Creative Industry Network is a growing support programme for Luton’s creative and digital talent — helping freelancers, start-ups, and small businesses connect, grow, and thrive.

Now well into its second public year, the programme continues to evolve in response to the needs of the community — with new commissions, collaborative projects, and creative spaces all in development. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this initiative offers the tools to develop your creative practice and build a more sustainable career. All based in the Hat District and free to access.

Affordable Creative Spaces

Hat Works offers flexible, affordable workspace right in the heart of Luton’s Hat District Become a member from just £7.50/day.

Monthly Networking Events

Hat Factory Café

Connect with other creatives, gain insight from guest speakers, and share your practice in a relaxed, supportive setting. These events are free, booking required.

2025: 12 Nov / 10 Dec

2026: 14 Jan / 11 Feb / 11 Mar

Showcase Your Work

Each networking event includes short slots where members can present current projects, try out idea, or share recent work.

Drop-Ins & Advice

Thursdays, 12–1pm at Hat Works (occasionally online) A chance to talk through your ideas, ask questions, investigate funding and connect with other creatives.

Creative Directory

The public-facing Directory features artists, designers, producers and more - all based in Luton. It's free to join as a Hat Works member. hatdistrict.co.uk/directory

Community Use

Free temporary access to work space (during venue hours) at Hat Works is available for creatives, heritage practitioners and cultural not-for-profits.

Find out about these opportunities and more at www.hatdistrict.co.uk

Next Generation Youth Theatre

Culture is the heartbeat of a thriving community – it inspires, connects, and lifts us all. That’s why Luton Rising is proud to champion Culture Trust Luton.

When creativity flourishes, so do new ideas, friendships, and opportunities for everyone.

Culture that belongs to everyone.

Together, we’re building a healthier, stronger Luton where art and culture spark potential and unite us all.

Discover more about our community impact at lutonrising.org.uk