Monster Mash takes over Maidstone City Centre
The interactive trail will be free for families throughout the October half term
A 'Monster Mash' trail will be running through Maidstone from Sunday, 25th October to Saturday, 31st October 2026, covering October half-term and Halloween.
The event, organised by One Maidstone BID and Maidstone Borough Council, will bring larger-than-life inflatable monsters to prominent locations around the town centre.
Visitors will be able to follow a free trail to find the creatures, with further monster-themed activities and involvement from local businesses.
Councillor Stephen Thompson, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: "Monster Mash is a fantastic new event that will bring families into the town centre during the October half-term holidays and showcase the creativity of our local community.
"We are delighted to be supporting Monster Mash alongside One Maidstone BID and look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to enjoy the trail, activities and artwork on display across the town centre.
"Events like this help make Maidstone a vibrant place to visit, while supporting local businesses and encouraging families to spend time together in our town centre."
Kevin the Ice Cream Monster
Primary school pupil Mya Edwards won this year's Monster Mash with the creation of Kevin the Ice Cream Monster.
Organisers say judges unanimously chose her design from hundreds of entries submitted by people of all ages.
Earlier this week has had the opportunity to see Kevin made into chocolate as part of her prize at N2 Sweet Labs.
Mya Edwards said: "When I found out Kevin had won I was happy and excited.
I really enjoyed drawing Kevin because I love ice cream!
I am excited to see Kevin and spot all the other monsters around the town at Halloween!"
Mya's monster will also be displayed in town as a mascot for the rest of the trail.
Competition entries to go on display
A selection of the submitted designs will be turned into large vinyl displays around Maidstone town centre during half-term.
Every original design entered into the competition will also be showcased in a special gallery at Creative Maidstone Community Arts Hub during Monster Mash, giving visitors the chance to see the full collection created by the community.
Michelle Woodland, CEO of One Maidstone BID, said: “We absolutely loved seeing all the Monster Mascot entries come in and were amazed by the creativity that went into them.
“Choosing just one winner was incredibly difficult, but Kevin the Ice Cream Monster really captured our attention.
"He’s fun, colourful and full of character, and we’re delighted to welcome him as Maidstone’s official Monster Mash mascot.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who entered.
"There were so many fantastic designs that we wanted to make sure we celebrated them as part of this year’s event, with some appearing around the town centre and every original entry being displayed together at Creative Maidstone.”