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A new date has been confirmed for an art trail in Maidstone featuring one of the world's most famous children's book characters.
The highly anticipated Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade was due to take place this summer but had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Elmer and his friends well now be coming to town in June 19, 2021.
The family friendly event, which will raise money for the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford, will feature up to 50 elephants based on Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, the star of one of the most iconic children's books by David McKee.
Sarah Pugh, CEO 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 June 19 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.”
The hospice, which is working on the frontline supporting families during Covid-19, took the decision to postpone the trail back in March to focus on supporting terminally ill patients and their families through the crisis.
The charity is working on the scheme in collaboration with event producers Wild in Art and children's book publisher Andersen Press.
Last year, in a similar scheme, Wild in Art brought giant model 'Snowdogs' to Ashford, but the Elmer project will be the first of its kind in Maidstone.
The sculptures will be scattered around the town, its river path, countryside and parks for nine weeks until August 22.
Each elephant, featuring a unique design by local and national artists, will then be auctioned on September 9.
People were treated to a sneak peek of one of the elephants, a red and white striped Where’s Wally? inspired installation, earlier this year.
KM Media Group is the official media partner for Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade.
Other backers include Gullands solicitors, Westerhill Homes, Chartway Group, Scarbutts Printers, MCM Net, Clive Emson, Maidstone Borough Council, Gallagher Group and One Maidstone.
To find out more about the trail and how to involve your school or business, click here.
