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downsmail.co.uk Elmers going on parade
ELEPHANTS are roaming the county town this month as Maidstone welcomes Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and his Big Heart of Kent Parade.
Based upon the popular chil- dren’s book character, the beauti- ful sculptures form Maidstone’s first public art trail, raising funds for the Heart of Kent Hospice. The hospice, celebrating its 30th
anniversary this year, provides free end-of-life care to people with terminal illness. Each year, it has to raise 80% of all operating costs.
Celebrating diversity and cre- ativity, the elephant sculptures, created by local and national artists, will be on parade from June 19 to August 22. Three different trails – Heritage,
River and Nature – totalling six miles, will reflect the town’s his- tory, economic heart and the bor- ough’s areas of natural beauty. The trails will guide visitors through the town centre, across beautiful parks and alongside the peaceful River Medway. Elmer Armstrong, a sculpture celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, will be a roving ambassador for the parade. With a design based upon the original 1960s NASA suit worn by Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, he will be visiting schools, busi- nesses and local events. The easiest way to find all the
Elmer sculptures is to download the free official parade app, Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade, via Apple or Google Play. A hand-illustrated map is also
available from Elmer headquar- ters on the upper level of The Mall, or Fremlin’s Elephant House, located in Fremlin Walk for the duration of the parade. Go to
www.elmermaidstone.co.uk, for more details.
Just some of the Elmers that can be discovered in and around Maidstone - clockwise from above: Beside the Sea; Not Everything is Black and White; Lucy; The Spirit of West Malling; Strawberry Fields. Pictures: Chris Lawson
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