News Shaun and his friends flock to Maidstone
Maidstone saw a new flock of visitors head to the County Town this weekend when ‘Shaun in the Heart of Kent’ art trail arrived.
Saturday, 29 June 2024 saw 109 ‘ewe-nique’ artworks pop up in key locations around the town centre for everyone to discover and enjoy.
The project is being led by Heart of Kent Hospice, and Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is proud to be the Official Presenting Partner supporting it.
MBC has two large Shaun’s as part of the trail which will be in place until 30 August. Celebrating the art trail today – Monday 1 July, the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr John Perry said:
“I am delighted as Mayor of Maidstone, to be here today to celebrate this wonderful new art trail brought to us by the Heart of Kent Hospice.“The sculptures look absolutely fabulous around the town centre and it is fantastic to know that the project has involved community groups, care homes and schools from around Maidstone. I’m sure that the nine weeks that Shaun and his flock will be here will bring colour, creativity and fun for all the family. I would encourage as many people who can to come to Maidstone and enjoy this amazing art trail this summer.”
The fabulous public art trail ‘Shaun the Sheep in the Heart of Kent’ includes 51 large uniquely designed sheep sculptures and small flocks placed around the town, riverside walks, parks and public buildings to delight and surprise all who see them.
The artists who produced the MBC Shaun’s were Jasmine Haskell who painted ‘Unearthing Iggy’, and sisters Rachael and Philippa Corcutt with ‘Flock to Maidstone.’ Both large sculptures are part of the trail and can be found in Jubilee Square and in Maidstone Museum’s courtyard.
A free trail map and app have been designed to help everyone find all the Shaun’s and take part in the fun art trail. Both can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. Or people can pick up a map from key locations around the town centre including Shaun HQ in Fremlin Walk or Shaun’s Baa-rn in the Mall.
The free walking trail brings together local companies, schools, community groups and the creative sectors to highlight our County Town, showcase its best assets, inspire civic pride amongst residents and boost the local economy.
Te locations of the large Shaun sculptures are listed on the map and there’s also the chance to discover the little flocks of Shaun the Sheep sculptures which were decorated and designed by local schools, community groups and care homes.
When people have completed the trail and found all the sculptures they can visit Shaun HQ in Fremlin Walk or Shaun’s Baa-rn in the Mall to get their well-deserved finishers sticker.
‘Shaun in the Heart of Kent’ follows in the footsteps of the hugely successful ‘Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade’ in 2021which saw thousands of people visit Maidstone and created an added economic impact of £2,252,416 and raised £312,750 for the Hospice.
For more information about Shaun in the Hart of Kent and to keep up to date with all the latest news go to: www.shaunheartofkent.co.uk
To find out more about what is happening in Maidstone go to the website: www.visitmaidstone.com