The Bear Club is thrilled to be coming outside to celebrate Luton 150 this July. We’re going to be bringing a taste of the vibe of the club to the street with some great live funk and soul and some superb DJ sets, before heading back to our natural habitat of the club itself to keep the party going.
The line-up with approximate running times is as follows:
2pm – 2:45pm: Diverse FM DJ set
Mick Foster (Soul Sessions) and Dave Watts from Diverse FM will kick off the show, playing soul and funk to get the party started.
Diverse FM is a Luton-based community radio station and registered charity dedicated to serving Bedfordshire with diverse genres of music, including funk, soul, R&B, bhangra and reggae. Through their Youth Connect program, a free, government-funded youth club and training scheme for ages 11–25, they offer music/video production, radio broadcasting, and mentoring to the local community.
2:45pm – 3:45pm: Gina Sedman & Monopoly
Gina is a powerhouse of soul, an internationally acclaimed recording artist whose career spans over three decades. With 16 albums and five #1 hits on the UK Soul Chart, Gina's music has become a cornerstone of the future soul, funk and R&B scene, captivating audiences worldwide.
Gina released her 17th studio album, Who's Clyde, on 1 June 2026 to coincide with a 50-minute family-friendly comedy film, which premiered on 7 June 2026.
3:45pm – 4:45pm: DJ Perry Louis (Focus on Jazz & Mi-Soul Radio)
Perry is one of the most sought-after and respected DJs on the scene in the UK and abroad, DJing for many famous jazz, funk, and soul artists. He has held residencies at London’s top venues, most notably the Jazz Café and the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s.
Perry is also a prolific music promoter in his hometown of Luton and the home counties, where, under his banner of Focus on Jazz, he promotes live jazz, funk, and soul events. Since 2015, he has brought British and international artists to perform at The Bear Club and hosts the club's Jazz Jam on the first Sunday of every month.
4:45pm – 5:45pm: Soulfusionseven
Soulfusionseven are an extraordinary 6-piece funk and soul band. Having performed at renowned venues and festivals across the country, they have built a reputation for delivering captivating live shows that leave you wanting more.
With their high-energy stage presence and infectious enthusiasm, they ensure that every show is a memorable experience filled with irresistible dancefloor anthems.
5:45pm – 6:20pm: Diverse FM DJ set
Diverse FM and music curator Richie Tee (Jazz FM & Diverse FM) will keep the party moving between bands.
6:20pm – 7pm: Hildia Campbell & Voices of Soul
Hildia is a singer from Luton, best known as a member of the family trio Voices of Soul, who achieved fame as contestants on ITV's The X Factor in 2004. Alongside her sister Grace and niece Corene, Hildia made it to the final six acts in the inaugural series, mentored by Louis Walsh.
Before and after The X Factor, Hildia worked as a session singer, performed in West End musicals, and worked with artists such as Chaka Khan. Hildia is also involved with The Vocal Academy in Luton.
7pm – 8pm: The Pete Honegan Band
We close out the festival with The Pete Honegan Band - a collective of players who perform at community venues and events in Luton and across the UK. Specialising in soul, funk, and reggae, the band maintain an active presence, having backed international recording artists Omar and Terri Walker.
More recently, they have become the band behind Hil St. Soul, who has performed around the globe alongside an array of great artists and musical legends, including James Brown, D’Angelo, Angie Stone, Macy Grey, and Isaac Hayes.
At 8pm the festival draws to a close, but the party continues just a few hundred yards away at The Bear Club, where there will be live jazz from the excellent saxophone player Hannah Horton and her quartet. You can grab tickets here or on the door.
2pm - 8pm / Free entry / The Hat District, Bute Street