A colourful furball with a love of ice-cream has been crowned the winner of Maidstone’s design a monster competition.

Kevin the Ice Cream Monster, designed by primary school pupil Mya Edwards (7) is now the official mascot of Maidstone’s Monster Mash, a weeklong fun invasion coming to the town centre in October half-term including Halloween (Sunday, 25 to Saturday, 31 October 2026).

The spectacular event, brought to the town by One Maidstone BID and Maidstone Borough Council, will see a collection of larger-than-life inflatable monsters take over prominent town centre locations.

Visitors will be encouraged to look up, look out and join the giant monster hunt, with a free trail helping them discover the creatures around the town centre alongside further monster-themed activities and involvement from local businesses.

The mascot competition was launched in the summer, and people of all ages were encouraged to let their imaginations run wild and submit their designs for the Maidstone monster as part of a community competition.

Judges sifted through hundreds of colourful creatures with horns, tentacles and plenty of teeth! The competition attracted a brilliant variety of designs, but it was Kevin and his ice cream theme that proved the unanimous victor. He will now become Maidstone’s official Monster Mash mascot, with plans to develop his role as the event returns in 2027.

Mya Edwards, was delighted to see Kevin crowned the winner and said:

"When I found out Kevin had won I was happy and excited. I really enjoyed drawing Kevin because I love ice cream! I am excited to see Kevin and spot all the other monsters around the town at Halloween!"

A selection of designs submitted to the competition will be transformed into large monster vinyls and displayed at locations around Maidstone town centre, giving some of the town’s budding monster designers the chance to see their creations brought to life during half term.

Every original design entered into the competition will also be showcased in a special gallery at Creative Maidstone Community Arts Hub during Monster Mash, giving visitors the chance to see the full collection of wonderfully imaginative monsters created by the community.

Michelle Woodland, CEO of One Maidstone BID, said:

“We absolutely loved seeing all the Monster Mascot entries come in and were amazed by the creativity that went into them.

“Choosing just one winner was incredibly difficult, but Kevin the Ice Cream Monster really captured our attention. He’s fun, colourful and full of character, and we’re delighted to welcome him as Maidstone’s official Monster Mash mascot.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who entered. There were so many fantastic designs that we wanted to make sure we celebrated them as part of this year’s event, with some appearing around the town centre and every original entry being displayed together at Creative Maidstone.”

Councillor Stephen Thompson, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said:

"Monster Mash is a fantastic new event that will bring families into the town centre during the October half-term holidays and showcase the creativity of our local community.

"It has been wonderful to see so many imaginative entries to the mascot competition, and Kevin the Ice Cream Monster is a worthy winner. We are delighted to be supporting Monster Mash alongside One Maidstone BID and look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to enjoy the trail, activities and artwork on display across the town centre.

"Events like this help make Maidstone a vibrant place to visit, while supporting local businesses and encouraging families to spend time together in our town centre."

Full details of the monster trail and activities will be available at One Maidstone.

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