A summer of free live music returns to Luton’s Wardown Park

The popular ‘At the Luton Rotary Bandstand’ programme consists of four dates of live jazz and soul music, with local DJ Niv Hammond supporting three of those.

Residents and music lovers alike are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy this line-up of free outdoor entertainment in Wardown Park for the fifth year in a row.

Harry T Pope, Noel McCalla and The Soul Music Collective come together to form a special ‘Summer of Soul’ at the bandstand with the brilliant Luton Brass Band returning to perform the feel-good classics. 

The full programme from the Rotary Bandstand:

• Sunday 28 June: Harry T Pope, with DJ Niv Hammond from 2pm to 6pm
• Sunday 19 July: Noel McCalla, with DJ Niv Hammond from 2pm to 6pm
• Sunday 26 July: Luton Brass Band from 2pm to 4pm
• Sunday 16 August: The Soul Music Collective, with DJ Niv Hammond from 2pm to 6pm

Organiser Paul Hammond shared his excitement: “We’re looking forward to seeing music at the bandstand back in Wardown Park for a fifth consecutive year and giving the people of Luton another line-up of amazing local talent to enjoy in the park for free this summer.”

Councillor Javeria Hussain, Portfolio Holder for Parks and Open Spaces and Vice-Chair of Luton Rising added: “Wardown Park has always been a beautiful and picturesque setting to host these live music events. With 2026 marking 150 years since Luton gained borough status, we’re especially delighted to welcome the programme back as part of this milestone year in our town’s history.”

‘At the Luton Rotary Bandstand’ forms part of a wider programme celebrating Luton’s 150th anniversary as a borough, with events and activities highlighting the town’s history, heritage and community spirit.

The ‘Summer of Soul’ extends further than the Rotary Bandstand this year with a partnership between Step Forward Luton, Luton Council and The Bear Club. The ‘Funk & Soul Festival’ is a brand-new live music event coming to the Hat District on Saturday 18 July promising to bring an amazing vibe into the town centre.

The Luton 150 programme also offers opportunities for businesses to get involved through sponsorship packages, providing brand visibility while supporting the local community. For more information, email marketing@luton.gov.uk.

Wardown Park also has plenty more to offer this summer including boating on the lake, adventure golf and entry to its historic museum.

Full event details, artist profiles and bios for each date can be found at place.stepforwardluton.co.uk/bandstand.