Town profile
24hrs in.... The county town
THE eyes of the nation will be focused on Maidstone on July 19 when the Olympic Torch arrives in the county town.
Thousands of people are expected to flock to festivities at Leeds Castle, where the torch will rest overnight, as well as to Mote Park, where a simultaneous free concert, means everyone will have a chance to get in on the action — and the atmosphere. With the town buzzing with excitement, what better time to take a closer look at some of the great things Maidstone has to offer the visitor?
All too often we take for granted the things that are on our doorstep — many of which are free for all to enjoy.
IF you’re up with the larks to see the torch being run through Maidstone around 7am on Friday, July 20, there’s a whole weekend ahead to explore the town and its attractions!
Despite many changes over the centuries, Maidstone, shaped by its colourful past filled with battles and revolts, continues to develop and flourish.
Millions of pounds have been invested in the town in
the past few years, including the new look Jubilee Square surrounding the Victoria Memorial.
Millions too have been ploughed into Maidstone
Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery and, love it or loathe it, the new look extended museum is a real cultural jewel and, with the exception of visiting exhibitions, offers free admission all year-round.
One such exhibition – Secret Egypt, Unravelling Truth
from Myth – takes place from the end of June until the beginning of September. In addition to Maidstone museum’s own collection, this will have more than 150
exhibits from museums in Birmingham and Coventry – and which one of us can fail to be fascinated by the Egyptians’ ability to mummify their dead, use complex maths and geometry to build their pyramids and excavate deep into the bowels of the earth to create ornately-decorated
burial chambers? The museum houses an impressive collection of
Japanese art – and even has its own dinosaur! Throughout the Summer, there will be regular family
drop-in days on a Monday and a Thursday with free or low-cost fun activities for children.
The Museum is open Monday –
Saturday from 10am to 5pm and from noon to 4pm on Sundays, from April to October.
Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery
St Faith’s Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1LH
01622 602838
museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk
Mid Kent Living 13
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