LUTON, 26 September 2026 – More than 200 people came together to mark the 30th Anniversary of Luton’s Annual Peace Walk starting at St Mary's Church, and continuing to Guru Nanak Gurdwara and Luton Central Mosque. Participants were warmly welcomed and learned more about the beliefs, traditions and community work of each faith community.
Prof. Zafar Khan, Chair of Luton Council of Faiths, welcomed and encouraged all to continue promoting unity, acceptance and respect in what are looking difficult times ahead.
Reverend Canon Mike Jones at St Mary's Church said the aim of the Peace Walk is to make "our relationships bigger than our differences." He rejected any interpretation of Christianity that seeks to exclude or divide people, saying that such views are contrary to Christ’s message of peace and reconciliation.
He affirmed that anyone who feels vulnerable, threatened or isolated because of their faith, skin colour, ethnic or cultural identity should know that they are not alone and that we as communities of faith must stand together in support of one another.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, reflected on the symbolism of 30th Anniversary as a ‘Pearl Anniversary’, explaining that pearls are formed gradually, layer upon layer, through patience and perseverance. She suggested that the Peace Walk represents a similar process, with relationships, trust and friendship having been built steadily over three decades. She praised the Peace Walk as a positive response to division and intolerance, and a powerful example of communities coming together.
Luton's Mayor, Cllr. Javed Hussain, commended the town's voluntary and faith organisations for their continued contributions to making Luton a welcoming, inclusive and caring place to live.
The event concluded at Luton Central Mosque., where Senior Imam Hafiz Ejaz Ahmed spoke about the importance of understanding, respect and peaceful coexistence. Participants also heard contributions from local schoolchildren, the Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard, and the Bishop of Bedford, the Right Reverend Richard Atkinson, who described the Peace Walk as a "pearl of great price" that continues to strengthen community relationships.
As Luton celebrated 30 years of the Peace Walk, organisers from the Luton Council of Faiths, Grassroots, Near Neighbours Programme, local faith groups, and volunteers, were thanked for their long-standing commitment to building a united, inclusive and peaceful future for all in Luton, and beyond.
Also see: https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/your-world/luton-peace-walk-marks-30th-anniversary-9207055
Watch Inspire FM livestream recording:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=3027137520967790
At St Mary’s Church, Luton, before starting the Luton’s 30th Annual Peace Walk
At St Mary’s Church, Luton, before starting the Luton’s 30th Annual Peace Walk
The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, tying her message to the Tree of Hope in the grounds of St Mary’s Church, Luton
Reverend Canon Mike Jones at St Mary's Church said the aim of the Peace Walk is to make "our relationships bigger than our differences."
People from different faiths, ethnicities and beliefs exiting St Mary’s Church Luton to start the Peace Walk.
People from different faiths, ethnicities and beliefs exiting St Mary’s Church Luton to start the Peace Walk.
People from different faiths, ethnicities and beliefs walking together created a visible display of unity, peace and harmony in Luton.
School children performing Peace Poetry at St Mary’s Church, Luton
Peace Artwork by School Children displayed at St Mary’s Church Luton
Luton Comic Con 2026 & Luton 30th Annual Peace Walk, both concurrent community events brought large crowds into central Luton to celebrate local creativity, diversity, and solidarity.
At Guru Nanak Gurdwara Luton, People were invited to walk around to see the glimpse of the Sikh Holy Scripture Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, who is treated as the Living Guru, not just a Holy Book.
At Guru Nanak Gurdwara Luton, people were offered refreshments, as part of their Langar Seva (free meals served for all at the Sikh places of worship).
At Luton Central Mosque, Senior Imam Hafiz Ejaz Ahmed spoke about the importance of understanding, respect and peaceful coexistence.
At Luton Central Mosque, school children were honoured for their participation in the Peace Walk, by Lutno’s faith leaders, and dignitaries.
At Luton Central Mosque, the Bishop of Bedford, the Right Reverend Richard Atkinson (L), described the Peace Walk as a "pearl of great price" that continues to strengthen community relationships. As he is due to retire soon, he was thanked by the Luton Central Mosque for his support to inter-faith work in Luton.