News Countdown to ‘Wild about Maidstone’ arts carnival

With just two weeks to go until the bright and colourful ‘Wild about Maidstone’ Arts Carnival bursts into Maidstone town centre, everyone is being reminded to come along to the amazing spectacle on Saturday 15 July from 2pm.

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is working with Emergency Exit Arts to bring the vibrant walking Arts Carnival to the town centre for everyone to enjoy, with the huge, magnificent Firebird as the centrepiece.

The procession will start from The High Street at 2pm, walking through the town into Brenchley Gardens where there will be a finale event with music from 2.45pm until 5.3Opm.

Cllr Claudine Russell, Lead Member for Communities, Leisure and Arts at MBC said:

“More than 350 people are taking part, from performers and dancers to local primary and secondary school pupils and community groups. Two lively Samba bands will also be part of the procession and the finale event; Old School Samba and South London Samba.

“There is still time to get involved by coming along to one of the free arts and craft workshops, everyone is welcome to create a carnival headdress and then be a part of the procession. One of our key priorities is to make Maidstone a Thriving Place and the Arts Carnival reflects that. Make a date in your calendar for this free town centre spectacle.”

Come along to a workshop on:

8 July - The Mall 10am – 2pm

15 July - Royal Star Arcade 10am – 12pm

The Carnival is being funded by MBC, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Arts Council England and, in preparation for the stunning parade, Emergency Exit Arts have been holding workshops with all the schools involved to create their eye-catching carnival costumes and headwear.

A retail unit in The Mall is also being used to display more information about the carnival and any finished costumes, headwear and artwork for passers-by to see.

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