Heart of Kent Hospice, along with its Official Partners and Sponsors, are excited to announce that Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade, will be taking place in Maidstone in less than four months’ time!
Last March the Hospice had to take the decision to postpone the Parade for a year and are excited to confirm that in this, their 30th anniversary year, it will be running for nine weeks from Saturday 19 June until Sunday 22 August.
With a blaze of colour and creativity, Elmer and his friends will bring a ton of fun and laughter to our local area. After what has been a difficult year for everyone, this Parade is a chance for the whole community to come together to recover, heal and have some fun! This free outdoor walking trail will provide a much-needed boost to everyone’s wellbeing and the local economy.
Over the past six months we have been working behind the scenes with the Official Heritage Partner, Maidstone Borough Council and Official Logistics Partner, Gallagher Group to plan how the nine-week trail can go ahead in a Covid-secure way.
As well as being a brilliant day (or few hours) out, the Parade will support Maidstone’s post-pandemic revival. It will have a positive impact on our local economy attracting people into the area and bringing benefits for local businesses.
2020 was a tough year for everyone. Our Hospice's fundraising was significantly impacted. All 14 of our shops were forced to close at various stages throughout the year and most fundraising events were cancelled. Through it all, our Hospice has been on the frontline, supporting terminally ill people, their carers, families and other healthcare professionals in our local area.
Sarah Pugh, Chief Executive of Heart of Kent Hospice said: “This year is our 30th anniversary and we’re looking forward to celebrating with our community. Our nine-week Parade over the summer is a unique event that will help us connect with local people and local businesses to create a lasting legacy for the Hospice and for Maidstone.”
The Hospice is also pleased to announce their new Official Health and Wellbeing Partner for the event will be Paydens Group. Paydens is a local, family-run business and cares for communities across Kent with over 100 pharmacies and three care homes.
Alexander Pay, Managing Director at Paydens Group said: “We’re delighted to throw our support behind the Hospice and this art trail, which will benefit our community and local businesses in so many ways. We wanted to be involved in the Parade as the we know how important Heart of Kent Hospice is to many of our customers and the Paydens team.
“We’re looking forward to see all the Elmer sculptures across Maidstone and making this summer a memorable one.”
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