Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade

New dates have been announced by the Heart of Kent Hospice for Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade which had to be postponed this summer due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Elmer and his friends will now be marching onto the streets of Maidstone to form the first-ever public sculpture trail on Saturday 19 June 2021 for nine weeks. Look out for the Gullands’ Elmer as you make your way around the colourful and vibrant trail which will bring thousands of visitors to the town.

The Hospice, which during coronavirus has been at the front line of supporting terminally ill people and their families in Maidstone and the surrounding towns and villages, took the decision to postpone the trail back in March.  The decision to delay was to ensure the safety of residents and tourists and to enable the Hospice to prioritise its patients and local people being diagnosed with a terminal illness and needing care and support during the pandemic.

Sarah Pugh, Chief Executive at Heart of Kent Hospice said: “We are so happy to share this wonderful news with our local community.  Our parade partners, sponsors and the learning programme schools are thrilled that we have been able to set the date, Saturday 19 June and they are as committed as we are to ensuring that Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade is even bigger and better in 2021.”

Blair Gulland comments: “So many events have had to be postponed or cancelled this year, but given the circumstances this was absolutely the right
thing to do and we look forward to the parade taking place in 2021 which will help bring many visitors to the town centre and it will provide a terrific boost
for local businesses.”

Important dates for your diary

18 June - Installation
19 June - Trail goes live
22 August - Trail ends
3-5 September - Farewell weekend
9 September - Elmer auction