The Hat Factory

Come paint, draw and be creative in your own special way. Butterfly Project - Art Therapy is an open studio space in the Hat Factory using creative expression and art as therapy. Led by a qualified Art Psychotherapist, these women-only sessions are devised to calm the mind and create space for new ways of being, thinking and feeling.

Moriam is a qualified art psychotherapist who works psychodynamically and has supported women in Luton with art therapy for several years. She uses artmaking as a way to help others become aware of their unconscious process. Her workshops are an opportunity to develop greater self awareness as well as a time for self care. The creative process is used as a way to make space in our minds and bodies for new thoughts and experiences to arise

Running time: 90 minutes Women Only, 18+

• more info

Join in our 'Place of Making' workshops with established artists to learn new skills, creative techniques, and make your own art. Have you always wanted to learn to crochet? If the answer is yes then please join us for this 6 week beginners crochet course where Nicola from Tea Cake + Make will have you hooking in no time!

In this course the tutor will not only teach you the basic crochet stitches but will also give you the confidence to source and buy the correct yarn and hooks for future projects, read text and charted patterns and even get you having a go at amigurumi!

Materials for the first 2 weeks of the course are included and used to make your first item - a chunky crochet cowl.

Running Time: 150 minutes

£85 for all 6 sessions: 24th & 31st Jan, 7th, 21st & 28th Feb & 7th Mar

• more info

Enjoy a special Christmas Gospel Celebration with a heart-warming mix of Gospel, Soul, Folk, Pop and more!The BIG Hat Factory Community Choir join us to celebrate the Christmas season with Christmas songs and songs to warm your heart. The Choir is made of people from the Luton Community and you could be a part of their choir.

The BIG Gospel Choir features some of the UK most talented and outstanding Gospel vocalists. The choir will delight and move you with beautiful vocal arrangements, powerful voices, and soul-stirring delivery. Over the years they have had the privilege to perform for and at some incredible events including Charlotte Church, Susan Boyle, Shane Richie, Harrods, British Museum, and Natural History Museum.

Running Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes including an interval

• more info

Join resident MC Jake Pickford every third Friday of the month for an evening of stand-up comedy from the nation's up and coming talent.

See website for full Line Ups.

• more info

Join resident MC Jake Pickford for an evening of stand-up comedy from the nation's up and coming talent. Line Up - TBC

• more info

Drink and Draw. It’s simple,a night of free play and creativity with drinking and drawing.

Join us each month for a get together to share ideas, create art and drink. There are no rules, no boundaries, just a full blown explosion of creative energy.

This monthly event is for everyone and anyone aged 18+ interested in learning or practicing drawing while having a good glass of beer or wine. The bar will be open, conversation will be flowing ensuring for a great atmosphere!

Hosted by local illustrator and Comic Book Artist Karl Brown in partnership with The Culture Trust Luton.

• more info

Drink and Draw. It’s simple,a night of free play and creativity with drinking and drawing. Join us each month for a get together to share ideas, create art and drink. There are no rules, no boundaries, just a full blown explosion of creative energy.

This monthly event is for everyone and anyone aged 18+ interested in learning or practicing drawing while having a good glass of beer or wine. The bar will be open, conversation will be flowing ensuring for a great atmosphere!

The cost covers the equipment provided for the event.

Hosted by local illustrator and Comic Book Artist Karl Brown in partnership with The Culture Trust Luton.

Strictly 18+

• more info

Join Full House Theatre back at Luton Library Theatre this Christmas with joyful family show The Elves and the Shoemaker.In this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff, a lovable retired shoemaker who is struggling to remember the past. One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two enchanting friends who help him to recall the old days of his shoe shop, reliving the good, the bad and the magical! With the help of the Elves, Geoff realises that a little bit of elf magic is all he needs to give his wife the only thing she’s ever wanted, just in time for a very special birthday.

With original toe-tapping music, laugh-out-loud characters, puppetry and real magic, The Elves and the Shoemaker is a festive story sure to make the whole family feel all warm and cosy inside.

Running time: 90 minutes, including a 20 minute interval

See website for all booking information

11.30am and 2pm shows daily

• more info

Join in our HATCH workshops with established artists to learn new skills, creative techniques, and make your own art. Make a wonderful ladybird and an enchanting Bumblebee hat/lapel pin with expert guidance from Alison Cremona of Felt and Dandy. Learn all basic needle felting skills, and much more, whilst being guided through every step as you make 2 beautiful creations.

All materials, tools and mounts/pins are provided.

Running time: 6 hours, including breaks

• more info

The Spanish-born singer-songwriter and guitarist plays traditional tunes alongside contemporary songs.

• more info

Attila the Stockbroker performs from ‘Heart on my Sleeve’, his new collected works, celebrating 40 years of performing.

• more info