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Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is set to host a series of exciting new arts and cultural activities and free events over the coming months as part of the Welcome Back Fund.
The funding has been allocated to councils across England from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support the safe return to high streets and help build back better from the pandemic.
MBC is using a share of the fund to commission a variety of activities and events that will help to reanimate Maidstone town centre, encourage people back safely, contribute to community cohesion and generate economic impact for local businesses.
Included are a series of free family-friendly events at the amphitheatre on the riverside, including pirate workshops on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 August, plus a story-telling workshop on Wednesday 25August.
A fabulous Fusion Festival featuring a life-size elephant and bhangra dancers, as well as a steel band, dancing lions and lots more besides will be popping up in the town centre on Saturday 28 August.
In September, the bandstand in Brenchley Gardens will come alive with the sound of live music as a variety of local groups take to the stage, including the Jon Hamilton Big Band and Invicta Jazz Orchestra to name just a few.
To celebrate our wonderful NHS and key workers, there will be a special concert at Mote Hall on 23October titled ‘At the Rainbow’s End’, the event will feature a cast of over 350 performers from 11 local arts organisations.
MBC Leader, Cllr David Burton said:
“It is fantastic to see so many free events and initiatives being introduced back in to the town centre over the next few months. Maidstone has so many amazing places to visit and lots to offer to so many people and with all that is now being planned to take place, it gives everyone more reasons to come and spend some time and enjoy our amazing County Town.”
The Welcome Back Fund is part of £56 million provided to councils across the country from the ERDF and builds on the £50 million Reopening High Streets Safely Fund (RHSSF) allocated to councils in 2020 and forms part of the wider support government is providing to communities and businesses.
Entry to all of these events is completely free of charge and full details can be found in the ‘What’s On’ listings on the Visit Maidstone website: www.visitmaidstone.com.