Shaun the Sheep art trail for Maidstone seeks groups to adopt the miniature flock

A Shaun the Sheep-themed art trail is coming to Kent and community groups are being offered the chance to put their artistic stamp on the event.

Following the success of the award-winning Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade, in which brightly and uniquely decorated Elmer elephants were dotted throughout Maidstone, there a now plans for a new sculpture trail in 2024.

Schools, community groups and care homes are among those being encouraged to get involved by signing-up to take part with their own individually decorated smaller ‘Shaun the Sheep’ who can become part of the route.

The free trail will take place in Maidstone and the surrounding areas and will feature up to 50 individually designed Shaun sculptures, accompanied by the flock of little Shauns.

The large sculptures will be designed and painted by local and national artists and will be auctioned at the end of the trail to raise money for Heart of Kent Hospice, while the smaller Shaun sculptures will be adopted, designed and decorated by organisations including schools, community groups and care homes.

Every group who joins the flock will be given a blank Shaun sculpture to decorate alongside a pack full of hints and tips on how to design and decorate it successfully, alongside activity guides and plans to help deliver additional appropriate art and creative sessions.

The cost to adopt a little Shaun is £750. Little Shaun is a smaller version of the main trail sculpture and he stands at 67cm high.

Groups can either fundraise to meet the cost or donate the full amount to cover the price of the sculpture, with all money raised going towards helping the hospice continue its work.

Karen Newton-Anker, Community Partnerships Manager at Heart of Kent Hospice said: “At the end of the trail, there will be a Farewell Weekend which sees all the Shaun sculptures come together in one place for three days. Everyone is invited to come along, to see the flock for one last time and say goodbye.

“Once your little Shaun has dazzled the crowds on the trail, we’ll return him to you to keep forever!”

To learn more about joining the flock please email shaun@hokh.co.uk or call 01622 790195.