An all-star cast from the worlds of business, sport, the arts, health and the environment .... gathered at the end of March 2006  to select Luton’s top citizens in the first ever Best of Luton awards, hosted by the Luton Forum.

Nominees for each of five awards were wined and dined at the Riverside Suite, Gipsy Lane before the winners were announced in true Oscar style.

Four categories - children and young people; safer, stronger, greener communities; older people and healthier communities; and economic growth and enterprise – were open to anyone who had already won another award.  A special fifth category was for nominees who had not won anything before.   Over 60 nominations were evenly split under the headings.

Lord Bill McKenzie, police chief Ivor Twydell in his  capacity as chair of Luton Forum and Eileen Muir, head of communications for Arts Council England, East chose the worthy winners who truly represent the best of Luton. 

List of nominees and winners