Yesterday I attended a wonderful event to celebrate the second anniversary of the formation of the Luton Cultural Services Trust.

This independent charitable organisation was formed by Luton Borough Council to run Luton’s libraries, museums, and arts service and to promote the cultural life of the town. Tuesday’s event – ably hosted by the Trust’s Chair, Nick Gibson, and Chief Executive, Maggie Appleton – showcased the work that the Trust has been doing across the town over the past two years and gave partners an opportunity to talk about their experiences of working with the Trust. We had a very mixed range of contributions including from a local theatre group, a local GP, the British Museum, animated video and a brilliant poetry recital from a ten year old user of the town’s libraries.

I have been involved with the Luton Cultural Services Trust from the very beginning, something which I will write about in more detail at some point, but even I was impressed by the breadth and extent of the Trust’s activities. Activities which also mirror the diversity and vibrancy of Luton. The work that the Trust does is really fantastic and I am very proud to be associated with it.

Also attending the event were three of the candidates for Luton South; Liberal Democrat candidate Qurban Hussain, Esther Rantzen (although she had to leave early), and independent Joe Hall.