News
Diary to avoid event clashes
MAIDSTONE Council is hoping to organise a “no clash” diary for event organisers from 2016. Recent clashes between big
events have left visitors unable to get accommodation, the Town Team’s marketing group meeting heard. The online diary, which will be put to the test over the next few weeks and launched fully in the New Year, is intended to give or- ganisers of all events – however large or small – advancewarning of other events in the area which could coincide. “Some clashes are inevitable, but
this way, people can see what is coming up at any given time and plan their own events accordingly,” said the council’s Laura Dickson. The town’s new culture, heritage
and tourism department is also hoping to compile a library of high- resolution copyright-free images which anyone can access and use as part of their promotional literature.
Charity recital THE Heart of Kent Hospice will benefit by about £11,000 from a charity performance by Maidstone Choral Union at Mote Hall of Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore. It attracted an audience of more than 500.
downsmail.co.uk
Lights just the start of sparkling festive season
The lights are sparkling all over Maidstone in the run-up to the festive season.
With late-night shopping on Thursdays and a dazzling array of weekend entertainment, the county town is hoping its Christ- mas “presence” will rival that of all its regional competitors. Following the excitement of the Christmas lights switch-on by Maidstone’s panto stars and a per- formance by X Factor finalists Alien Uncovered,most of the town centre shops are now open late each Thursday, giving workers the chance to get their gifts while still avoiding busy weekends. Late-night entertainment on
those evenings will include stilt walkers, jugglers, choirs and bands. On Saturdays December 5, 12
and 19, the Town Centre Manage- ment has organised a varied pro- gramme of music and dance in Jubilee Square, including perform- ances from the Maidstone-based
Mandy Ellen Dance Studios and Vocademy. DickWickenden, who plays sax- ophone under the name Kentish- sax, will perform on December 12, when there will be a surprise flash- mob element to the afternoon’s proceedings, and again on Decem- ber 19. There will also be walkabout en- tertainment for children in Fremlin Walk and traditional festive music on the Sundays leading up to Christmas. The popular Christmas market returns too, with gourmet delights such as bratwurst, churros and crepes. As well as the traditional twin
trees in Lower and Upper High Street, there will be some addi- tional colour being organised by Zoe Sparkle and her team of yarn bombers – look out for some fes- tive knitting appearing on build- ings and benches near you.
Last year’s Christmas tree in Jubilee Square, Maidstone
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01622 902005 8 Maidstone South December 2015
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