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County Borough

1964 , Luton (Bedfordshire)

Cat no. 6608

The residents of Luton celebrate the town's new County Borough status.

A record of civic and community events commemorating Luton's new status as a County Borough. Proceedings begin with a civic procession from the Town Hall. Marching down George Street, the group is led by the Mayor and councillors and comprises of a range of community leaders, from aldermen to academics, barristers to policemen. They soon reach Luton Parish Church of St Mary's, where they attend a civic ceremony. Afterwards, some of the crowd assemble for the planting of a commemorative tree. Elsewhere, preparations are underway for a parade led by local businesses and community groups. A man guides an elaborately decorated truck representing a local business onto the street, which is then driven to the parade assembly area. There, floats are busily being prepared as crowds begin to assemble. With last minute preparations complete, the parade is underway, led by a marching band and various regiments of the local Territorial Army. Highlights of the parade include army and navy cadets, marching bands, school children reenacting scenes from Luton's past, a float dedicated to road safety and a flatbed truck carrying a Caribbean steel drum band. Afterwards, celebrations move to a local park, where the crowds amass to watch a highwire acrobatic show, before a spectacular fireworks display closes a day spent celebrating Luton's new County Borough status.

Featured Buildings

Luton Town Hall; St Mary's Parish Church

Keywords

Celebrations; Ceremonies; Local government

Background Information

Luton was granted County Borough status following the Local Government Act of 1958, which aimed to review the functions of local authorities.

Manifestations

County Borough

Copyright restrictions apply.

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