There are only two weeks to go until Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade arrives in Maidstone. Who is Elmer and what is all this we hear you ask?
Elmer is an Elephant and is the head of a herd of fabulously colourful and unique elephants, designed by author and illustrator David McKee.
From 19 June – 22 August 2021 this famous elephant herd will take you on a trail around the beautiful County town of Maidstone. The trail will incorporate Maidstone’s vibrant town centre, the stunning Maidstone River Park along with some hidden gems too. Let’s hope that’s not around the back of Maidstone bus station!
The free, family-friendly Parade is a collaboration between Heart of Kent Hospice, Wild in Art, Andersen Press and Official Presenting Partner Westerhill Homes and uses David McKee’s popular children’s character Elmer. The trail covers a distance totalling around six miles.
This mass-participation family event will feature 51 large and 30 small sculptures, plus one special Elmer that has been designed especially for Heart of Kent Hospice. Each large sculpture will feature a unique design by some amazing artists, both well-known and emerging, while the small Elmers have been designed and painted by local schools and community groups.
ELMER WILL form the first-ever public art trail in the County town
The trail will appeal to young and old alike, and enables both residents and visitors to have fun exploring and be inspired and enchanted by the sculptures. You can pick up a copy of a beautifully hand-illustrated map at key town centre locations across Maidstone or use the official Parade app to help you explore
At the end of the summer (which could be sooner than we think!) each of the Elmer’s will be auctioned to raise funds for Heart of Kent Hospice, to enable them to continue offering outstanding Hospice care to local families.
You can discover more about this event here.
