'Joyous' illumination show shone 'a light on town'

Hundreds of people lined the streets to see a colourful "joyous and harmonious" parade of illuminated inflatables and acrobats.

Lampadophores, a "one-night-only extravaganza" took place from Bury Park to St George's Square, in Luton.

Organised by local charity Revoluton Arts, with FESTIVAL.ORG and Global Streets, it was led by French street performance company Picto-Facto.

Lindsey Pugh, creative director at Revoluton Arts, said: "This beautiful, joyous and bright procession was the perfect way to unite and shine a light on our town."

"We created a moment for everyone to gather and be together harmoniously", she added.

Ayden, nine, watched the show and said: "I’d give this event a 10 out of 10.

"I loved the voices and the music - it made me feel happy."

Judith Chapman, 56, said: "My favourite thing was the scale of it and the fact it went through the town and engaged with so many people."

Rohit Raja, 25, said the event was "fantastic" and he was left "speechless" after seeing the balloons.

Belonging and happiness

Charlotte Williams, 32, said watching the colourful characters made her "feel silly and happy" with the urge to dance.

"I think Luton needs more stuff like this, it needs cheering up," she added.

Before the parade, 480 children from Beech Hill Primary, in Bury Park, took part in lantern and miniature puppet-making workshops.

Teacher, Tajkia Choudhury, said taking part helped "build a sense of belonging and happiness within our community".

"The children absolutely loved it and each child thrived in this setting."