A new shop selling work by local artists, vintage clothing, jewellery and new music has opened its doors in High Town.
Shop 33, in High Town Road, is the latest chapter of the legacy of the former 33 Arts Centre in Guildford Street, which closed down in 2003.
The idea of the shop came about at the end of last year when Luton Community Arts Trust, which ran the centre, found it needed more storage space for its trading arm, 33 Jazz Records.
“We thought we could sell stuff as well, and give local artists somewhere to display their work,” said shop manager Chris Stevens, a former Icknield student who went on to study photography and filmmaking at the University of Bedfordshire.
Local artists whose work is on sale include Helen Ingham, Francis Martin and John Goode, and literature including Luton Haiku books, guides to High Town and the satirical Clod Magazine are also on sale.
Chris, who also plays in Luton band Flexy Boys, said: “We’re really hoping people get on board and that some other new shops open up. High Town’s a great place.
“We’re also trying to organise a music festival in July with local bands, such as Giant Haystacks and the Knockouts.”
The trust also runs the SNAP project at the Hat Factory, where young people can drop in and take part in art projects.