The free Shaun the Sheep trail that's perfect to do with kids comes to Kent

Lauren Cole-Lomas

29 June 2024 at 9:13 am·2-min read

A free Shaun the Sheep art trail has come to Kent today (29 June) which is the perfect day out with kids. There are 51 unique and colourful hand painted Shaun Sculptures which will appear overnight at locations across Maidstone town centre including in parks and along the river from 29 June to 30 August 2024.

Children will love following along the Shaun the Sheep art trail, counting the hand-painted figures at each point. In total, there are around 51 unique sheep to find, in idyllic locations such as alongside the river, and in parks.

Erica Snow, Project Manager at Heart of Kent Hospice said: “Our eagerly awaited second free art trail, which follows on from the successful Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade in 2021, also promises to provide plenty of family fun as everyone discovers the 51 unique and colourful hand painted Shaun Sculptures which will appear overnight at locations across Maidstone town centre including in parks and along the river from 29 June to 30 August 2024.”

Shaun the Sheep statue — Shaun the Sheep is popping up across Maidstone this summer -Credit:Wild in Art and Heart of Kent

Organised with Aardman and Wild in Art, the Shaun surprise will raise funds for the Heart of Kent Hospice. The facility depends mostly on donations and provides support for people in Maidstone, Aylesford, Tonbridge and Malling.

Erica added: "Shaun is cheeky and mischievous, and surrounded by his farmyard friends he lives life to the full – the Hospice hopes this new art trail will not only raise vital funds for the Hospice when the sculptures are auctioned in September but will also serve as a reminder that Heart of Kent Hospice is there to provide support to patients and their loved ones when they need it most, both at home and within the Hospice which is located in Aylesford.”

Later this year people can book a slot to visit all the Shaun Sculptures under one roof at the Farewell Weekend which takes place between 13 – 15 September 2024. This is the ideal time to choose which Shaun Sculpture to bid on at an exciting live auction on Thursday 26 September 2024. All proceeds from the auction will help the Hospice to continue to provide outstanding Hospice care to the local community. More details will be announced nearer the time via the Heart of Kent website here.

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