News Creative Maidstone launches Easter bonnet competition for young crafters
It’s time to get crafty at the Creative Maidstone Community Arts Hub’s Easter Bonnet competition.
Open to children up to age 16, the competition encourages participants to design and decorate their very own Easter bonnet, using any style or theme that inspires them. Whether they choose to go fully floral with spring blooms or opt for classic Easter decorations such as eggs, chicks or bunnies, the emphasis is on creativity, colour and fun.
Parents can assist in the construction of the bonnets, but the concept and designs must be the work of the young person.
To take part in the competition, children are invited to design and create their Easter bonnet ahead of Friday 10 April 2026, then bring it along to Creative Maidstone, based at the bottom of Gabriels Hill in Maidstone Town Centre, to join the Easter Bonnet Parade at 11am. For those who would prefer to make their bonnet on the day, a dedicated Easter Bonnet Workshop will be held at 10am on 10 April, giving participants the perfect chance to craft their creation, just in time for the festivities.
Spaces at the workshop must be booked in advance and tickets cost £5 per child. Find out more information and book your tickets here.
Cllr Stephen Thompson, Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) Cabinet Member for Healthier Stronger Communities, commented on the competition, saying:
Creative Maidstone’s Easter bonnet competition offers a fantastic opportunity for young creators across the community to gather and celebrate the Easter season. It’s a wonderful way to inspire creativity and encourage young residents in Maidstone to express their artistic spirit
The overall winner of the competition will receive four free tickets to Kent Life: a 28‑acre heritage farm where families can meet friendly animals, explore old‑fashioned buildings and enjoy lots of hands‑on activities including tractor rides and play areas. The tickets have been generously donated by Kent Life as part of the Maidstone River Park’s 25th anniversary celebrations this year.
MBC envisions a Fairer Economy for People and Planet, where a thriving cultural community supports creatives and local artistic talent is encouraged and celebrated, especially amongst the younger generations. Projects like Creative Maidstone’s Easter Bonnet Competition help to bring these priorities together and provide a permanent place for art and creativity in Maidstone.
The judges can’t wait to see the wonderful bonnets that the young creators design as they showcase their creativity this Easter.