News Maidstone gets ready to welcome new mayor
A horse-drawn carriage, the 36 Engineers Regiment and The Queen's Gurkha Engineers will be leading a procession through Maidstone to welcome the new mayor.
Taking place after the annual Mayor-Making ceremony, the Parade is a highlight in the Maidstone events calendar and celebrates the borough’s new First Citizen.
For this year’s Parade, the military will assemble in front of County Hall (opposite Maidstone East train station), with civilian contingents coming together in Earl Street from 10.45am. The Civic Parade will step off at 11.30am from Week Street and make its way to All Saints Church for the Civic Service, via the Town Hall on Jubilee Square.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Maidstone, Brian and Shannon Clark, will lead the Mayoral procession in a horse-drawn carriage. This stately Victorian vehicle makes its annual appearance for the Mayor Making Ceremony, and is stored throughout the rest of the year at Maidstone Carriage Museum.
Speaking about the honour of becoming Mayor, Cllr Clark said: “I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to serve as Mayor of Maidstone. I look forward to supporting local community groups, charities, and businesses, while celebrating all that makes our County Town a special place to live and work”
The Mayor of Maidstone serves as the borough’s First Citizen and civic ambassador, representing the council and community at events locally and beyond while promoting pride in the area. The role is largely ceremonial and non-political, with the Mayor chairing Full Council meetings to ensure fair and effective debate, supporting public participation in local democracy, and attending a wide range of engagements including school visits, charity events, and official ceremonies.
Through these duties, the Mayor champions local organisations, raises awareness for charitable causes, and helps promote and strengthen Maidstone’s profile.
Road closures will be put in place for the Parade between 10am and 1pm using rolling closures, where possible. Roads will be reopened once the procession has passed to allow for the formation and safe passage of the Parade. The roads that will see closures are:
Sandling Road (junction with White Rabbit roundabout)
Station Road
St Faiths Street
Week Street
Earl Street
High Street
King Street
Wyke Manor Road (junction with King Street)
Gabriels Hill (junction with High Street)
Bank Street
Pudding Lane (junction with High Street)
Lower High Street (junction with High Street)
Mill Street
Bishops Way
Knightrider Street
College Road
Old College Horseway - road closure from 6am to 1pm
Jubilee Square and Bank Street - road closure from 9am to 1pm
To ensure that the event remains family-friendly and safe for all, there will be a security presence to support the Parade.
As part of the ceremony, entertainment will be provided in Jubilee Square by one of the largest, most versatile samba bands in Kent and the South East: Bloco Fogo, who will be performing between 12noon and 12.45pm.
Maidstone Borough Council encourages everyone to come along and take part in this historical event and celebrate our borough and the office of the Mayor.