Myles Smith performs a surprise show in Luton
The free gig comes just days before the official release of his debut album My Mess, My Heart, My Life
The 28-year-old singer-songwriter is one of Britain's biggest breakthrough artists
His performance in the town, where he was born, is part of a day of special events
Crowds gather in St George's Square to watch a set by the Brits rising star award winner
Parts of Luton were officially renamed for the concert.
Luton station became Myles End, there was also a Myles Street and a Myles Place.
A fish and chip shop even became "Myles Fish & Chips".
Smith, who has performed in the town since he was 11, said it was "really awesome".
Image source, Kian Boyle/BBCAt the front for the gig were superfans Sandra and Lana, who are mother and daughter.
The pair, from Leicester, travelled to Rome last month to see Smith support Ed Sheeran - but missed it due to a public transport mishap.
Lana, 22, says: "I found him on TikTok and he just popped up and it's just really relatable, and I love all his tunes that he's brought out so far."
Sandra, 53, adds: "I just love him. He's so down to earth... he's just very humble."
Image source, Justin Dealey/BBCSmith has a message for the young people who look up to him.
He says: "Don't aspire to be me, aspire to be yourself and the best version of yourself.
"I think as long as you believe in what you're doing and you work hard eventually something's going to break."
The crowd joins Myles for a huge singalong to Stargazing, a track that’s almost impossible not to shout along to.
Halfway through, he brings a young fan called Shawn on stage, who had previously performed with him at his last gig in March.
Many of the songs Smith has performed feature on his upcoming album.
After Gold, he moves into Stay (If You Wanna Dance), the first official single released from the record back in September.
He gives shout-outs to all of his former schools in the town.
"For anyone who aspires to do more and wants to go further, I'm proof you can do it."
"Hopefully I'll see you on this stage soon."
Smith tells the crowd: "I grew up not to far away in Leagrave. I'm so happy to be home with you guys.
"You've given me the opportunity to tour the world three times and I'm about to do it again.
"Before I left I wanted to come and say 'hi' to you."
“I know it’s not easy coming straight from school and work, but you chose to be with me today and I really appreciate that,” Smith tells the crowd.
He then launches into Gold, his 2025 track which featured in the video game EA Sports FC 26.
Halfway through he shouts: "I love Luton, man!"
The set includes Drive Safe, Smith's duet with former One Direction star Niall Horan.
It will be the seventh track on his debut album My Mess, My Heart, My Life, released on Friday.
Just before launching into Nice to Meet You, which spent five weeks in the UK top 10, Myles shared an observation with the crowd.
“It’s going to be really interesting,” he said. “You’re going to see halfway through some songs people go, ‘Oh, it’s that guy’.”
Smith paid tribute to Ed Sheeran his "ginger prince" during his show.
Midway through River, he smoothly slipped into a short cover of Sheeran’s hit Shape of You, drawing the crowd in and encouraging them to sing along.
He then switched things up again, moving straight into a cover of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep, keeping the momentum going.
Image source, Lily-May Symonds/BBC"We're here to sing a few songs, have a good time, everyone up for that?"
Smith storms on to stage to huge cheers from the gathered crowd.
His opening track is River, which featured on his 2024 EP of the same name.
Emma Baugh
BBC Look East
Image source, Emma Baugh/BBCThere are neighbourhood officers here to reassure the gathered crowd.
The current vibe is calm and happy.
An ambulance is on hand in case of overheating or other medical emergencies.
Emma Baugh
BBC Look East
Image source, Emma Baugh/BBCLaiba, 26, from Dunstable, has brought her 13-month-old daughter, Surraya, to watch Smith. It'll be Surraya's first-ever live concert.
And the toddler will have one of the best views at the show - she is sitting on her auntie Izzy’s shoulders.
Izzy says she can’t believe the stage is so close.
Laiba, a big Smith fan, says it’s "so cool" the gig is in Luton.
Smith is due on stage in about 15 minutes. We'll be live streaming his performance.
Image source, Kian Boyle/BBCThe star has his sights set on a major hometown milestone: opening the new Luton Town Football Club stadium.
He's been lobbying the chairman of the Sony Music Group, Rob Stringer, a Hatters fan, asking if he can play the first gig at Power Court when it opens in time for the 2028 season.
Looking out his hotel window at the construction site, Smith says: "I've been messaging Rob Stringer so much saying 'Let me open it.'"
He jokes that he is so obsessed with the club that when he speaks to Stringer "I don't even know if he knows if I'm a player or a singer sometimes".
Image source, ReutersThe Luton singer told the BBC that "no matter how famous" he gets his hometown remains a place where he can "just be normal".
He says he can still walk the streets without being bothered by crowds, which is "the most humbling and best feeling in the world".
Smith says: "There's not been a lot of musicians come out of Luton. So to, you know, be one of the few, it feels really good.
"To have the whole town come behind me feels amazing."
Image source, Getty ImagesLater this year, Smith is off on tour with Ed Sheeran, who he describes as "my ginger prince".
Smith told the BBC: "He's a good friend, we talk all the time.
"It's really nice cause he's helped me to figure out the stuff off-camera... and how your world could change overnight and how to come to terms with that.
"It's been really nice to have someone guide me through that process."
Image source, Emma Baugh/BBCAmanda Elston was "gutted" to miss out on Smith's last appearance in Luton.
The 50-year-old says: "[I'm a] massive fan of Myles, so it's brilliant that he's supporting his hometown and we all can come and see him for free."
She hopes Smith will perform songs from his new album.
Image source, Emma Baugh/BBCLorry driver Tom Clarkson was one of the fans who bagged a free haircut from Smith's barber.
The 33-year-old says: "It's nice to come where he's been before. It's great that he's given back to where he's come from, it's brilliant.
"He's an Arsenal fan, so big legend."
Emma Baugh
BBC Look East
Image source, Emma Baugh/BBCFans are starting to gather in St George's Square, ahead of Smith's performance at 16:30.
There is a general air of expectation as the soundcheck takes place.
People of all ages, including babies in pushchairs and older fans, are arriving by the minute.
There is a relaxed vibe as onlookers wait for the show.
