Creative Maidstone Hosts Easter Bonnet Competition for Young Creators
The Creative Maidstone Community Arts Hub is excited to announce its upcoming Easter Bonnet Competition, a vibrant event designed to spark creativity among children in the local area. Open to participants up to the age of 16, this competition encourages young artists to design and decorate their very own Easter bonnets, using any style or theme that inspires them.
Unleash Creativity with Spring Themes
Participants can choose from a wide range of decorative ideas, whether they prefer a fully floral approach with spring blooms or classic Easter motifs such as eggs, chicks, or bunnies. The emphasis is firmly on creativity, colour, and fun, allowing children to express their artistic spirit in a supportive environment. While parents are welcome to assist with the construction of the bonnets, the core concepts and designs must originate from the young participants themselves.
Event Details and Participation
To take part in the competition, children are invited to design and create their Easter bonnets ahead of Friday, April 10, 2026. They should then bring their creations to Creative Maidstone, located at the bottom of Gabriels Hill in Maidstone Town Centre, to join the Easter Bonnet Parade at 11am. For those who would prefer to make their bonnet on the day, a dedicated Easter Bonnet Workshop will be held at 10am on April 10, providing the perfect opportunity to craft a creation just in time for the festivities.
Spaces at the workshop must be booked in advance, with tickets priced at £5 per child. This ensures a well-organised and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Support from Local Leaders
Cllr Stephen Thompson, Maidstone Borough Council cabinet member for Healthier Stronger Communities, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. He stated, "Creative Maidstone’s Easter bonnet competition offers a fantastic opportunity for young creators across the community to gather and celebrate the Easter season. It’s a wonderful way to inspire creativity and encourage young residents in Maidstone to express their artistic spirit."
Exciting Prizes and Community Impact
The overall winner of the competition will receive four free tickets to Kent Life, a 28-acre heritage farm where families can meet friendly animals, explore old-fashioned buildings, and enjoy hands-on activities including tractor rides and play areas. These tickets have been generously donated by Kent Life as part of the Maidstone River Park’s 25th anniversary celebrations this year.
Maidstone Borough Council envisions a Fairer Economy for People and Planet, where a thriving cultural community supports creatives and local artistic talent is encouraged and celebrated, especially among younger generations. Projects like Creative Maidstone’s Easter Bonnet Competition help bring these priorities together, providing a permanent place for art and creativity in Maidstone.
Looking Forward to the Festivities
The judges are eagerly anticipating the wonderful bonnets that young creators will design, showcasing their creativity this Easter. For further details, interested parties can contact the Maidstone Borough Council Communications Team via email at communications@maidstone.gov.uk or by calling 01622 602560.
This event not only fosters artistic expression but also strengthens community bonds, making it a highlight of the Easter season in Maidstone, Kent.
