What can I expect at Luton Carnival?

The organisers of an annual carnival that attracts thousands of people say it aims to celebrate a town's "amazing diversity" again.

The theme for the 49th Luton International Carnival, on Sunday, 25 May, is "Back to the Future".

The event, hosted by the UK Centre for Carnival Arts (UKCCA), started in 1976 and was inspired by African-Caribbean culture.

Here is a guide to the colourful, family-friendly event.

The event takes place in the centre of Luton.

It will be set up and start at Church Street then makes its way through the town, via George Street, the Town Hall, and Alma Street.

It then stops off at the performance area at St George's Square, and then continues down Guilford Street, before it sets down at Silver Street, outside The Point shopping centre.

The carnival starts at 12:00 BST in St George's Square, where there will be family entertainment.

The main parade, through the town is from 13:00 to about 16:45-17:00.

Once it is finished, the fun will continue in St George's Square with after-parade entertainment until 18:00, when the day ends.

A number of town centre roads will be closed on the day.

They are Alma Link, Alma Street, Bridge Street, Bute Street, Church Street, Collingdon Street, Dunstable Place, Flowers Way, George Street, Gordon Street, Guildford Street, Library Road, Manchester Street, New Bedford Road, Park Street, Park Street West, Peel Street, Silver Street, St George's Square, Upper George Street, and Wellington Street.

As the centre of the town will be closed, there is no specific pick-up and drop off area, or designated parking, but anyone visiting the town is advised to come via the railway station, or park at the Midland Road Station car park, or Regent Street car park.

As the theme is Back to the Future, organisers want anyone coming to "jump in your time machine and accelerate to 88mph" (not on a public highway, obviously).

They said about 800 people were expected to participate in the parade showing off "a kaleidoscopic celebration of Luton's diverse community", as they dance and move through the town.

Those strutting their stuff will include Mas Incorporated, Pride in Luton, Luton Council, Luton Town Football Club, schools, community groups and bands including Mas Africa from London, Zodiac All Stars from Nottingham, Original Step Performers from Leicester, and All New Beginnings from London, and graduates of UKCCA's artistic development programme.

From 11:00 until 13:00 Astro Aaron's Space Blast Off Adventure will take place at Luton Central Library on St George's Square, with an early session designed for children with special needs, followed by another session for anyone, with just 30 tickets available, from 12:00.

The final performance will then take place at 14:00.

Afterwards, there will be an interactive Carnival Workshop at Luton Point, where families can "participate, not spectate", from 12:00 to 17:00.

If anyone needs a break, they can relax and recharge at the Chill Out Zone the Hat Gardens on Bute Street, from 12:00 to 15:00.

From 12:00 the Acoustic Zone will open, which is next to the Town Hall.

It will feature performances throughout the day by Steel Pan in Motion and the UFO Steelband.

If there are any issues during the parade spectators are advised to find a volunteer or steward, who will be dotted along the route and in St George's Square.

The lost child zone will be at Luton Central Library and for any other issues people are advised to head to the Family Zone, at the Hat Gardens.

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