One year to go before a new art trail comes to Maidstone
Heart of Kent Hospice in partnership with Wild in Art, Aardman and Official Presenting Partner Maidstone Borough Council are delighted to announce the date of their 2024 trail.
Exactly one year from today we and our Official Partners and Sponsors are looking forward to bringing a new free walking art trail back to Maidstone for everyone to enjoy.
Shaun in the Heart of Kent will see individually decorated sculptures placed around the parks, town centre and river walks in Maidstone between 29 June and 30 August 2024.
There’s still time to get involved and the Hospice are always looking to hear from businesses, schools, community groups, care homes, as well as artists who are interested in getting involved and becoming a part of this amazing event. The positive impact of the trail will be felt by everyone involved, the local community and economy, all while showcasing the wonderful sights Maidstone has to offer its visitors.
Created by multi award-winning animation studio Aardman, Shaun the Sheep, who has been nominated for two Academy Awards® for his starring roles in ‘Shaun the Sheep The Movie’ and ‘A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon’, will be heading to Kent as part of the new trail. Up to 50 large sculptures, in addition to various little Shaun sculptures, will form the Learning & Community Programme designed to engage with schools, youth groups and care homes by encouraging them to join in this ewe-nique event.
As with ‘Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade’ there will be an exciting fundraising auction after the ‘Shaun in the Heart of Kent’ trail finishes, with the large Shaun the Sheep sculptures auctioned off to raise money for Heart of Kent Hospice.
The trail will be designed to offer a fun day out in Maidstone for families and couples and will also further connect the local community to our wonderful Hospice.
This new trail will showcase the wealth of artistic talent in the area, whilst positively contributing to the economic, social and cultural life of Maidstone and the surrounding areas.
In 2021 ‘Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade’ not only allowed thousands of people to take part in the trail and raise money for our Hospice, it also contributed to an increase in referrals and awareness about the care and support we provide. The Hospice Team also benefited from the opportunity to engage with more local businesses and schools.
Official Partners who have to date signed up to be part of the 2024 ‘Shaun in the Heart of Kent’ trail are:
- Presenting Partner – Maidstone Borough Council
- Auction Partner – Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers
- Creative Partner – GEO Brand
- Events Partner – One Maidstone
- Logistics Partner – Gallagher Group
- Media Partner – KM Media Group
- Print Partner- Yeomans
- Storage and Distribution Partner – TPS Global Logistics
We are delighted to continue our partnership with Aardman and to be working with the team at Heart of Kent Hospice once again, on this exciting art trail which will bring this internationally renowned character to Maidstone in Kent.
I have no doubt that Shaun the Sheep will capture the imaginations of residents and visitors alike, while helping to raise vital funds for Heart of Kent Hospice. With your support we can create an event that will have significant impact during the summer of 2024.