News Search for people with 25-year-old Whatman Park connection
A search is underway to find named sponsors on plaques at Whatman Park or anyone whose handprints were taken and used on a display there 25 years ago.
This July, Maidstone River Park is celebrating its silver anniversary, marking 25 years since officially opening. A free concert, which has been funded by Maidstone Borough Council, is planned on 18 July in Whatman Park, with a raft of activities on offer throughout the year to mark the special occasion.
As part of the concert, 25 pairs of VIP tickets are available via a prize draw for anyone who hand their handprints included in the park or are named as a sponsor within it.
VIP guests will be invited to enjoy afternoon tea and a glass of fizz, along with preferential seating for the live concert performance.
To apply, people simply need to email their name, email and explain if they are a handprint holder or a sponsor. Applications must be submitted by 19 June. The apply, email Maidstone Borough Council.
Ian Tucker, Chair of the Maidstone River Park Anniversary Committee, said: “Maidstone River Park has been shaped by the people who supported it from the very beginning, and this anniversary is about celebrating those connections. The handprints and sponsor names around the park tell the story of a huge community effort, and we’d love to reconnect with as many of those people as possible as we mark 25 years of the River Park.”
Councillor Stephen Thompson, Cabinet Member for Healthy Stronger Communities at Maidstone Borough Council, said: “The River Park plays an important role in bringing people together, supporting wellbeing and creating opportunities for residents to enjoy nature, culture and events in the heart of Maidstone. This anniversary programme reflects the strength of our community spirit, and I’d encourage people to come forward, get involved and be part of this special celebration year.”
In addition to the concert Maidstone is holding a packed programme of anniversary events such as guided walks, nature activities, outdoor theatre, arts events and community-led celebrations, including park runs, picnics and wildlife experiences.
Maidstone’s River Festival on 25 July will also have a Jubilee Party theme in honour of the celebration.
To accompany the celebrations, a 25th Anniversary River Exhibition will take place at Creative Maidstone (Arts Hub) from 11 July to 1 August.
An open call is currently live for artists, photographers and creatives of all ages to submit work in any medium that celebrates the river. Submissions can include new artwork as well as photographs from the original launch celebrations and events.
The open call application form is available online.
A dedicated anniversary events page is now live on the Visit Maidstone website, bringing together everything taking place on or near the River Medway throughout the year.