OneMaidstone Magazine Winter 2023

ISSUE 10 WINTER 2023

FREE

HOW TO KEEP OUR HIGH STREET ALIVE DURING THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS

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News & Events

Contents

Contents Winter 2023 Edition A Big OneMaidstone Welcome

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Maidstone News

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BID Projects 2022 for BID - What is the bid?

Gullands Awards

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Did you know?

Feature on Maidstone

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Entertainment and Leisure HOKH - Shaun the Sheep

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Hazlitt Theatre 2022 Round Up

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18_ Spring Events: Light Up Maidstone

Spring Events Maidfest

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Luna New Year

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Light Up Maidstone

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February Half Term in Maidstone

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Special Events

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Valentine’s in Maidstone

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Competition Valentine’s Competition

22

Community Switch Youth Services

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Business Feature Nocturnal pictures

24

Treat On The High Street

25

Venture Studios

26

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BID Projects: 2022 for BID

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Entertainment and Leisure: Hazlitt 2022 Round Up

Shopping and Retail Keep Your High Street Alive The Royal Star Arcade

28 31

The Mall BID Projects

32

Networking Events

33

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Upcoming Events

34

Spring Events: Luna New Year

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OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

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Competition: Valentine’s Competition

Welcome

Welcome Letter from the BID CEO

H

appy New Year and welcome to your Winter 2023 edition of the OneMaidstone Magazine.

In this edition we launch a new feature “Treat On The High Street”, see page 25.

What treats do you love this time of year?

Having asked others, here are some of the favourites: • • • • • •

Take advantage of travel discounts - book a holiday Sale rack sifting only to find “that” item from new Charity shop bargain hunting Spending gift money or vouchers Joining a new class or gym to new year’s resolution Buying the first book on your 2023 reading list and grabbing a coffee to start reading

Last year we hosted and supported free to attend events, cleaned streets and collaborated with partners on crime reduction and we plan to do the same in 2023! See our review in pictures - Pages 6-9.

The first “Light Up Maidstone Festival” is on Fri 3rd Feb, produced by Cohesion Plus, OneMaidstone and key partners.

Delight in the lantern designs and lights with this free to attend parade and event - Page 18.

Maidfest is back by popular demand! The celebration of the town centre businesses, an offer driven event, will provide reasons to explore - Page 16.

Enjoy reading and hope this edition helps to kick start your new year with ideas, events, competitions, news and more. To keep up to date, follow us on socials or visit OneMaidstone.com and help keep your County Town High Street alive and kicking!

Michelle Woodland

MICHELLE WOODLAND

OneMaidstone, Chief Executive Officer

FOLLOW USOn ON SOCIALS! Follow Us Socials!

Stay up to date with all the latest news, offers and events in Maidstone by following us on: Instagram: @onemaidstone Twitter: @onemaidstone Facebook: @onemaidstonekent

OneMaidstone BID The OneMaidstone Business Improvement District is a not for profit organisation representing Maidstone town centre.

We provide services such as ambassador patrols, christmas lights, cctv monitoring and security radio network.

For more information on our work, visit www.onemaidstone.com © Copyright 2021, produced by the OneMaidstone Business Improvement District.

Design by GeoBrand - Maidstone Print by Absolute Creative Print - Maidstone Editor and Content: Caroline Ward - Onward Socials info@onwardsocials.co.uk

Front Cover Image: courtesy of Cohesion Plus

THIS MAGAZINE HAS BEEN PRIVATELY FUNDED BY ONEMAIDSTONE BID TO SUPPORT TOWN CENTRE BUSINESSES.

OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

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News

Winter News OneMaidstone BID Officially Accredited In November 2022, OneMaidstone BID was awarded with the Official Accreditation from the industry governing body British BIDS. Of the 322 BIDs across the United Kingdom, only 29 BIDs have received the accreditation. We are very proud to be one of the select few. The accreditation is awarded based on various service criteria and was presented at the National BID Conference 2022.

OneMaidstone BID Ambassadors Awarded We are proud to announce that our team of OneMaidstone BID Ambassadors have been awarded with a Quality of Service Certificate by Kent Police. The certificate, awarded at the end of 2022, is in recognition of the team’s service and assistance during a police matter earlier in the year.

The Ambassador Team are a service provided by OneMaidstone BID, to provide support and security to businesses throughout Maidstone Town Centre.

Congratulations team and thank you for your hard work and commitment.

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OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

News

Festival Returns

The Maidstone Fringe Festival is a five day, multi-venue festival celebrating the diversity of live music and music venues in the County Town.

The event is planned to take place over the last

week in April - first weekend in May – Thursday 27th April, to Monday 1st May 2023. Find out more at www.maidstonefringe.com or search for ‘maidstonefringefestival’ on Facebook.

New Patron Announced for Heart of Kent Hospice Heart of Kent Hospice, an independent charity which provides expert palliative end-of-life care for people and their families facing the challenge of a terminal illness, is pleased to announce that Geraldine Allinson OBE DL has been appointed their new Patron.

Geraldine said “I believe Heart of Kent Hospice plays a vital role in our local community, not only helping those at the end of their lives but also those around them in very difficult times. I have long been an admirer of what they do for us all and am deeply honoured to have been asked to be Patron.”

Image credit: Courtesy of Switch Youth Services

OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

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BID Projects

What is a BID? At OneMaidstone BID, we’re often asked ‘What is a BID? or ‘What does the BID do?’ So we thought we’d answer some of your questions:

What is a BID? A Business Improvement District, or BID, is business led partnership which is created through a ballot process to deliver additional services to local businesses. Services which are outside the scope of the local Councils responsibility.

The services that a BID provide, such as the Christmas Lights Switch On and additional town centre security, would not exist in a town if the BID was no longer in service.

How does a BID work?

A BID is voted in by a ballot process. The businesses in town get to decide if they want to have a BID to help with security, increasing town footfall, business training and all of the other events and services provided by the BID. After a BID partnership is voted in, they act as a tool for directly involving local businesses in local activities and allowing the business community and local authorities to work together to improve the local trading environment.

Who are the Maidstone BID? We are! We’re called OneMaidstone BID. We cover many roles, from the team in the office who arrange the events, logistics, marketing, and services for local business, through to our team of ambassadors on the streets of Maidstone town centre. We also engage with some local town centre businesses for other aspects of our work that we do not cover in house. Hiring local businesses is another step we take to keep the economy of our high street thriving.

Events in 2023 will include “Light Up Maidstone Festival ” in February (page 18) and the return of Maidfest in April (page 16)

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Official Recognition In 2022 OneMaidstone BID are proud to say that we achieved two very special recognitions for our work.

Our Ambassador team were awarded with a certificate from Kent Police for their services and assistance with a police matter.

OneMaidstone BID received official accreditation from British BIDS, an accreditation which is presented to less that 10% all off BIDs across the UK. Thank you We would like to thank you and all of the businesses in town who make the work we do possible.

By voting Yes on the ballot sheet, local businesses have chosen to enhance our town and community in so many ways. Thank you.

A note to businesses in town: The OneMaidstone BID Term 2 Ballot will be taking place in Summer 2023.

If you would like to keep all of the above services and more, please vote YES. Visit onemaidstonereview.co.uk to find out more about the process of the ballot.

BID Projects

What does One Maidstone BID do?

We have many services and projects that we’re responsible for or are involved in, but to list a few:

Organised and brought the Knife Angel to Maidstone in September 2022

Facilitated accompanying Knife Angel educational workshops for children in the community, in conjunction with local business Hazlitt Institute of Performing Arts

Organised and hosted the first Maidfest in July 2022 - bringing many businesses across town together to provide an offer driven retail festival throughout our town centre

Host regular Maidstone Marketing Meetings, roughly every 6 weeks.

These meetings are an opporunity for businesses in town to share, network and find opporunities to collaborate

Provide a CCTV monitoring service throughout town

Organised The Christmas Lights Switch on for 4 years in a row

Organised The Wine Weekend event in Sessions House, increasing footfall in town and putting Maidstone on the map

Organise regular deep cleans of the town centre, ensuring a presentable and clean town for us to all enjoy

Organise flower planters around town

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BID Projects

Organise regular Night Time Economy meetings, an opportunity for local night time economy businesses to discuss and share issues, and to open a direct dialouge with the police department Ran the DA Guardians training programme in 2021, teaching business about signs of domestic violence and how to help. Participants who completed the course became a ‘DA Guardian’ for their business, look out for their relaunch in 2023

Have a team of Ambassadors who partol the streets daily and provide support and security for the town

Organised a range of Dinosaur themed characters ‘Meet The Dinosaurs’ to greet children and the public around town in April 2022

Provide marketing promotion for businesses and events in town. On Social Media and through our magazine

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Organised a range of Halloween themed characters to greet children and the public around town, in conjunction with local business CEP Agency in October 2022

OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

Created a Dinosaur Egg Easter Trail in conjunction with Maidstone Borough Council and multiple businesses across town in April 2022

Facilitied Halloween Walking Scavenger Hunts around Maidstone - ‘Take It to the Grave’ and ‘Stage Managers Secret, in conjunction with local business Hazlitt Theatre in October 2022

Provided 2 days Social Media Training to businesses across town hosted by local business Onward Socials in May 2022

BID Projects

Facilitated Maidstory character readings in conjunction with local business CEP Agency and Hazlitt Theatre in August 2022

Created and upkeep the community garden

Facilitated ‘Not a Phase’ during June 2022 LGBTQ+ Pride month, in conjunction with local business Hazlitt Theatre Organised multiple competitions to highlight and increase awareness of businesses in the town centre. These have included the Halloween Giveway, Christmas Hamper and more

We organised a range of Jubilee themed characters to greet children and the public around town, in conjunction with local business CEP Agency

Contributed and supported The Magic of Christmas Parade, organised by Maidstone Borough Council and local business CEP Agency in November 2022

Created The Maidstory Big Book Hunt trail in conjunction with multiple businesses across town in August 2022

Supported the Elmer Wild in Art Trail around Maidstone in 2021 Facilitated the Magic of Christmas Parade, in conjunction with Maidstone Borough Council and local business CEP Agency in November 2022

Supported the Scarecrow Festival, created by Maidstone Borough Council

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So much fun for everyone and completely FREE of charge Maidstone Borough Council and One Maidstone are bringing the Town Centre alive with a huge sprinkling of Christmas fairy dust when everyone from Santa to Skating Baubles, Clockwork Ballerinas to Candy Cane Stilt Walkers will fill the streets.

Brought to you by ‘This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.’

Created, funded, installed, and promoted The Magic of Christmas Trail in conjunction with Maidstone Borough Council and multiple businesses across town.

OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

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BID Projects

The Gullands High Street

Heroes Awards 2022

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N

ovember 2022 saw the first Gullands High Street Heroes Awards, a wonderful event of acknowledgment and celebration of the businesses and organisations that make Maidstone Town Centre such a rich place to be.

Gullands Solicitors, based in Maidstone, opened the nominations in October and received nearly 50 nominations across the three categories: Retail, Hospitality and General Business Services.

Paul Mannering, Business Manager at Gullands said “When we first discussed the idea of the ways we at Gullands could help support local businesses in the town centre, we concluded that celebrating excellent customer service was important.”

“When we launched these awards early in October we gave the public the opportunity to nominate and tell us which businesses in the town had provided them with excellent customer service in the last 12 months. We also asked business owners to nominate their employees who they felt went above and beyond to deliver excellent customer service.

We have been delighted with the response and we’ve had nearly 50 nominations.”

Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees, and thank you to Gullands Solicitors for organising this wonderful acknowledgment of excellence in our town.

We look forward to next year!

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OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

HIGH STREET HEROES AWARDS 2022

Rewarding the best customer service in Maidstone www.gullands.com

BID Projects

Retail Category Winner - The Golden Boot Runner-up - Kris Van Hafden, Fruit and Veg Stall on Earl Street Employee Winner - Taylor Brignull, Vieux Barbers Shop Nomination: “They can be counted on to provide an exceptional level of customer service 100% of the time. Their reputation is far reaching across Maidstone and beyond. I have recommended their shop far and wide – each time receiving positive feedback. They have brought people from outside of Maidstone into the town centre which in turn boosts our local economy.”

Employee Runner-up – The team at Handmade With Love

General Business Services Category Winner - The Hazlitt Theatre

Nomination: “They have been amazing in setting up new dance and drama classes for the local community.

Ensuring that all groups of people can be involved including adults and neurodivergent people.” And another said: “They provide an excellent youth dance and performing arts programme for children of all ages. The team there go above and beyond to be inclusive and to create a welcoming family atmosphere for the young children of Maidstone, giving them the opportunity to perform and be involved in performing arts.”

Runner-up - Switch Youth Services Employee Winner - Ciara Foster, CPR Recruitment Employee Runner up - Nigel Downes, The Maidstone Street Pastors

Hospitality Category Winner - The Mu Mu Experience Runner-up - The Market House Pub Employee Award - The team at Notorious B.R.G Nomination: “The guys have earned their number one spot on Trip Advisor for a mix of quality food and their incredible customer service. Whether it’s a quick laugh from a singalong to Country Roads with the cowboy hats on or helping autistic customers with every and any need they may have, the team always step up. I am super proud of them as a team and couldn’t be more thankful for such a fun and attentive team being the face of our company.”

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Feauture

Maidstone is a town packed with interesting history and facts.

But did you know?...

Maidstone High Street is home to the oldest independent shoe shop in the country, The Golden Boot, which opened in 1790 - that’s 233 years ago!

Brenchley Gardens used to be part of the grounds of Chillington Manor and were opened to the public in 1871.

Brenchley Gardens was Maidstone’s first public park.

Maidstone has been twinned with Beauvais in Picardy, France since 1961.

Maidstone High Street was the location of The Second English Civil War’s Battle of Maidstone. In 1648 Royalist forces defended their barracades all the way from Gabriel’s Hill, through Week Street and finally to St Faith’s church yard where the Parliamentarian troops won.

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Entertainment and Leisure

TONE S ID A M O T G IN M O C TRAIL IS A

fter the success of ‘Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade’ in Maidstone last year, Heart of Kent Hospice has announced a new art trail for 2024, with none other than the fabulous family favourite, Shaun the Sheep.

As with the previous Elmer trail, there will be an exciting fundraising auction after the ‘Shaun in the Heart of Kent’ trail finishes with the individual ‘Shaun’ sculptures auctioned off to raise vital funds for Heart of Kent Hospice.

The new trail has been named ‘Shaun in the Heart of Kent’ and will see up to 50 large individually decorated Shaun sculptures placed around the parks, town centre and river walks in Maidstone and the surrounding areas. There will also be little Shaun sculptures which will form the Learning Programme, designed to engage with schools and youth groups by encouraging them to join in this ewe-nique event.

Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade Auction raised £312,750 for Heart of Kent Hospice

For more information about Shaun in the Heart of Kent, including the learning programme, and corporate and sponsorship opportunities, follow the trail on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @shaunheartkent www.shaunheartofkent.co.uk

OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

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Entertainment and Leisure

Hazlitt Theatre

THE 2022

ROUND UP!

W

hat a whirlwind of a year it has been for the Hazlitt Theatre! We hosted over 30 professional shows, including various Comedy Store nights, Flo & Joan and Harry Hill as well as a wealth of dance and amateur dramatics shows by our local Hazlitt Users.

We put on our first open air tour last summer with our Hazlitt Production of Robin Hood.

We partnered Maidstone Borough Council, Kent County Council and One Maidstone with various community events like Proms In The Park, Reconnect and Fusion Festival and Not A Phase. Not to mention ending the year on a high with TWO festive shows: family favourite Polar Express and the spellbinding panto of Sleeping Beauty!

BRING THE HAZLITT INSTITUTE PRESENTS...

ON

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Entertainment and Leisure

We were also delighted to launch our Hazlitt Institute in May, unifying our Youth Theatre, Dance Company, Choir and more under one exciting HI performing arts umbrella! We ran various events like the Reconnect and Fusion Festival, Halloween Escape Rooms, as well as returned with a fabulous HI Youth Theatre and Dance Company Production of Bring It On. Our HI Choir had their annual showcase in Curtain Up. With all our HI team proudly shining at community events like Maidstory in the summer, the Christmas Lights Switch On and the Christmas parade. If you are interested in joining our HI family please check the ‘Take Part’ tab on our website.

The year ahead continues to bring even more entertainment and events for all ages, with Hazlitt Institute spotlighting Maidstone’s history with the Talk of the Town and the Jungle Book Musical in the February Half term, as well some Strictly magic with Vincent Simone’s Passion, Britain’s Got Talent Winner Axel Blake and sold out evening with Marti Pellow!

For more details and to see What’s On at the Hazlitt Theatre please visit www.hazlittheatre.com.

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Spring Events

April 27th-May 1st 2023 An Offer Driven Retail Festival It’s back and better than ever!

Following to success of Maidfest last year, we’re bringing it back!

This upcoming May bank holiday weekend, One Maidstone BID will be adding to the festivities by hosting Maidfest in Maidstone Town Centre!

A weekend of offers from businesses in the town centre. Offer details will be found at the Maidfest website, or via print outs in the windows of participating shops!

If you’re a business in Maidstone Town Centre and would like to run an offer during Maidfest, please contact melissa.hanley@onemaidstone.com

Set a reminder in your calendar to visit www.maidfest.co.uk A celebration on Town Centre Businesses

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OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

Our businesses.

Our attractions.

Our town. Our people.

Our Maidstone.

FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS FOR MAIDSTONE EVENTS, OFFERS AND NEWS! Instagram: @OneMaidstone

Twitter: @OneMaidstone

Facebook: @OneMaidstoneKent

Spring Events

FREE

COMMUNITY EVENT

LUNAR NEW YEAR 2023

YEAR OF THE RABBIT

Saturday 28th January 2023 Jubilee Square, 11am - 1.30pm

Maidstone will once again play host to Lunar New Year celebrations, ushering in the Year of the Rabbit!

For more information follow: @CohesionPlus @MaidstoneBC @CohesionPlusEvents @MaidstoneBoroughCouncil @CohesionPlus @MaidstoneBC

Brought to you by Maidstone Cultural Group

Cohesion Plus

Maidstone Borough Council

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Spring Events

Up Light Maidstone

Festival

Friday 3rd February 2023 5.30 - 7pm | Maidstone Town Centre

C

ohesion Plus are delighted to be working in partnership with OneMaidstone to deliver the ‘Light Up Maidstone Festival’ on Friday 3rd February 2023 between 5.30pm and 7pm.

Supported by Maidstone Borough Council and other key partners.The festival will see Maidstone Town Centre lit up during the evening with light displays and interactive installations as well as live, culturally diverse entertainment.

9 local schools and some 600 children will be taking part in free artistic workshops delivered by Same Sky Arts in the lead up to the festival, creating their own unique lanterns which they will then have the opportunity to showcase during the parade. The parade will process through the town centre to Jubilee Square where there will be a fantastic climax of entertainment and dazzling light presentations.

Parents, guardians and local residents will be welcome to join in the parade as the festival will be free to attend.

Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus commented, “We are so pleased to be delivering this festival in the County Town of Kent.

Brought to you by

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February is a dark month with little to look forward to so it’s our intention to bring some light, fun and entertainment to the town centre! Everyone is welcome to attend, regardless of age and background. We want this to be a truly inclusive event as everyone deserves to experience something special and magical, especially during the winter months. We hope to see as many people attending as possible. We are proud to be working with Maidstone Borough Council and OneMaidstone on this event and look forward to putting on something spectacular for you all.”

Stay up to date with ‘Light Up Maidstone Festival’ by following OneMaidstone BID on socials @Onemaidstone

@OneMaidstoneKent

Supported by:

Spring Events

February Half Term In Maidstone!

Join us as the Hazlitt Institute, in collaboration with Maidstone Borough Council, take over our town centre. Our activities for this week are all inspired by the ‘Animal Guising and the Kentish Hooden Horse’ exhibition which opens on 8th February until 17th June.

Tuesday 14th February – Get messy making a Green Man out of clay Wednesday 15th February – Create a musical drum Thursday 16th February – Make your very own Hooden Horse mask Tickets can be booked on the museum website: https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/whats-on/events/ There will also be a family-friendly trail around the museum throughout the week.

TALK OF THE TOWN

O

n the 17th and 18th February, characters from Maidstone’s history are coming back to the high Street. Join us as the Hazlitt Institute, in collaboration with Maidstone Borough Council. With immersive environments, character trails and pop-up performances, this is an event not to be missed!

All activities are free but the tour must be booked in advance. Please see www.hazlittheatre.com for further details.

OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

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Events

There are so many things to do Maidstone this February 14th Pamper Treat yourself or someone else to a treatment at one of Maidstone’s excellent pamper venues in town...

Iris Hair and Beauty

Le Lotus

Lillys Nails

Look Your Best Make sure you’re feeling fantastic with something new to spruce up your wardrobe...

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OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

Events

Grab a bite Get your tastebuds tingling with the delicious range of restaurants that Maidstone has to offer…

Giggling Squid - Thai

La Taberna

Buenos Aires - Argentine Steakhouse

Treat yourself or someone else to a treatment at one of Maidstone’s best pamper venues in town

Grab a glass There are some lovely spots around town to get a drink...

Blu Butterfly

Fred’s

Craft Brewed

Old School

Something Different

Something Special

Perhaps you’re a Valentines traditionalist? If you’re looking for cinema and bowling, look no further than Lockmeadow

We like to do things a little differently in Maidstone…

Looking for a special gift?

Ballin’

Prison Break Escape rooms

llery Vinetta Flower Ga

Hazlitt Theatre

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Competition

Love is in the Maidstone air WIN a Valentine’s Date in Maidstone This February, businesses across Maidstone are coming together to bring you the chance to win a romantic experience bundle in our very own town centre.

The Prize Bundle

£60 GIFT VOUCHER

Enter On Facebook

OPEN DANCE CLASS/DANCE FIT FOR 2

TWO FREE DRINKS

Enter On Instagram

T&C’s Entrants must be 18+. Competition closes on February 13th at 10pm. The winner will be announced on February 14th The competition is beng run across Facebook and Instagram. Enter on both Facebook and Instagram to double your chance of winning. Prize values and expiration dates apply, the winner will be informed of the details upon receiving their prizes.

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OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

Community

Youth Services S

witch Youth Services are a registered charity based in Maidstone High Street that works with young people aged between 11-21 (up to 25 with Additional Learning Needs). Using a youth café as a base, they support young people’s personal, social and emotional development.The café is open Tuesday – Thursday from 3.30 – 7pm and 3.30 – 9pm on Friday and places an emphasis on informal education and youth work. It has 5 rooms, a café, a pool room, a chillout room, a 121 room and an IT Suite.

Mark Chase, the Manager said ‘the purpose of the café is to help staff and volunteers foster positive relationships with young people so that when they require support, advice and guidance, they feel comfortable exploring the issues with people that they trust, for a lot of young people, unfortunately, they simply do not have that anywhere else.’

He adds further, ‘any guidance given is non-directive. It is important that young people make decisions for themselves (with support if needed) so they accept responsibility for the choices that they make.

development on variety range of topics. These include, Entry to Employment which supports young people to qualify for their CSCS Card (construction), Youth Volunteering, Crime Diversion, Substance Misuse and Anger Management. They also run a programme that widens participation in Higher Education as well as attending school assemblies and enrichment days facilitating talks on the Dangers of Knife Crime and Gang Affiliation.

You will also see staff and volunteers if you are Maidstone on a Friday night working with young people on a MultiAgency Outreach programme within the North Week Street area.

Switch Cafe were awarded for their services to the community at the Gullands Solicitors High Street Heroes Awards 2022

Switch has 3 paid members of staff and 11 volunteers.

Over the last year they worked with 2753 young people. In addition to working within Maidstone, they work in schools, colleges and communities across Kent and Medway.

As well as the youth café, Switch runs a variety of different programmes and activities that encourage learning and

For further information go to www.switchcafe.co.uk or email mark@switchcafe.co.uk

OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

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Business Feature

FROM

MAIDSTONE TO HOLLYWOOD M

aidstone based independent film production company, Nocturnal Pictures, has been selected for Creative Enterprises investor programme “Evolve”, have proven their readiness for growth capital.

With the success of the company’s debut feature film, “The Last Rite”, they are excited to now have their sights firmly set on their next feature film. After almost 8 years of bootstrapping and growing the company, it is incredibly exciting that Nocturnal Pictures has been recognised as a high potential screen business by one of the UK’s main film bodies Creative UK and the BFI. “To be selected for this programme is a great opportunity for my company Nocturnal Pictures, as someone who comes from a low-socio economic background with no mentors or guidance, it’s an incredible opportunity to take Nocturnal Pictures to the next level and become the company I have always envisioned it being” – Leroy Kincaide, Founder & CEO Nocturnal Pictures.

Nocturnal Pictures has a slate of feature films in various stages of development which they are actively packaging and will be pushing forward during this programme.

If you would like to find out more about their investment opportunities, please don’t hesitate to contact Chloe Chudasama – chloe@nocturnalpictures.co.uk www.nocturnalpictures.co.uk

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OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

‘Nocturnal Pictures specialise in action, horror and sci-fi movies’

Debut feature film, “The Last Rite” was sold to Samuel Goldwyn Films

“The Last Rite” has worldwide distribution, including streaming on HULU & Sky

Business Feature

Treat on the

HIGHSTREET W

ith the daily stresses of balancing work, family, friends, finances, and everything else, life can become a bit overwhelming at times.When you’re feeling like this, the idea of someone saying ‘just relax’ can be infuriating. “I’m busy enough as it is Sandra…I don’t need to add ‘relaxing’ to my ‘To-Do’ List!”

That being said, it is important to take a few moments each day to recuperate and recharge your batteries. Improving your wellness doesn’t have to mean booking into a fancy spa and having cucumbers on your eyes (although that does also sound great). There are other ways to give yourself a little break…while also keeping on top of your to-do list.

Next time you’re in town, be it for work or errands, why not take 15 minutes to treat yourself.

COFFEE SHOPS Coffee shops are a great way to take a break. Cosy warm corners of Maidstone where you can sit, enjoy a drink and even a lovely sweet treat too if you fancy it. Next time you’re grabbing a coffee in town, why not complete our ‘Maidstone Coffee Shop Wordsearch’

Muffin Break Pret Costa Eden Frederic Bistro

Leahs Bistro Ivy Coffee Shop Starbucks Meet Me Cafe W

Patisserie Valerie Bakers and Baristas Matestone Coffee Puddings Coffee Shop Esquires Coffee Caffe Nero

Some of the Coffee Shops Maidstone have to offer:

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M A I D T O NE E MAIDS STON

ARE BACK!

Venture Maidstone has reopened, back in their original location next to the beautiful Brenchley Gardens and just a stones throw away from Maidstone East Train Station.

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OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

Under the new management of Izhar Qureshi and his talented team, Venture Studios in Maidstone offer an unrivalled photoshoot experience from the professional portrait brand that will turn 25 next year!

Business Feature Who are Venture?

Venture Photography launched in 1998 and was formed out of a passion to create a new generation of portrait photography.

We are the pioneers of the storytelling image, instead of focusing on what people look like, we have always captured the true character and emotions of our subjects, creating pieces of art that are effortlessly timeless and can be cherished for a lifetime.

Since Venture began, we have photographed over 800k families and created 4 million pieces of framed art. We are constantly evolving digitally to ensure we are the leading innovators in photography processes and technology.

With 18 locations in the UK and more opening in 2023, we also has studios in Hong Kong and the USA.

What do Venture offer?

Whether it’s an extended family get together, your newborn baby, or your favourite four-legged fur ball, Venture cover all types of studio photography.

We’ve photographed thousands of families, just like yours, and helped to transform their walls with gorgeous images created just for them… capturing perfect moments in time, never to be forgotten.

Our experienced photographers will create stunning portrait photography for all stages of your family life.

Whether you want to capture the moment they said ‘yes’, your toddlers first steps, or gather the whole family for a larger scale photoshoot, we can create the perfect experience in our studios.

All our photoshoot experiences include;

• A bespoke photoshoot • Stunning images captured by one

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Shopping and Retail

S. I S I R C G IN ST OF LIV

O

EC H T G N I R DU

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LOCAL STORE

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he ‘high street’ has been around in the UK since 1870 and current retail in Maidstone goes back even further to 1790 when The Golden Boot, the oldest independent shoe shop in England, opened. Our high street is steeped in history, surrounded by everything from historical buildings to family parks and modern entertainment facilities. Our high street is something to be proud of and with uncertain times laying ahead, it’s even more important to look after our community and shop local. We’ve put together a few ways that you can support the businesses in Maidstone high street during the cost of living crisis, without breaking the bank…

Shopping and Retail

Attend the town centre events

Support businesses social media

Maidstone Town Centre hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. Increasing footfall in town creates a buzz, enhances our community and also encourages visitors from further afield. Some of the events our town saw in 2022 included - Christmas Lights Switch On, The Magic of Christmas Parade, Maidfest, Halloween Walking Escape Rooms, Maidstory, The Wine Weekend, The Scarecrow Festival, The Magic of Christmas Trail, The Easter Dinosaur Egg Hunt, Meet the Dinosaurs and more.

If you have a favourite retailer in town, engage with them on social media. Maidstone high street is home to a huge number of independent retailers and online support is an extremely important resource for small businesses. Liking, sharing and following your favourite highstreet retailers can spread the word about their services and products. You never know, by sharing a post you might just find them a new customer.

Keep up to date with all of the events in Maidstone by following @onemaidstone on Instagram or @onemaidstonekent on Facebook.

You can also visit the events page on our website at www.onemaidstone.com/events-directory

Shop around Buying from big online retailers can be convenient but buying from your local high street offers additional benefits including boosting your local economy. There are hundreds of bargains on the high street and with the wide variety of shops that Maidstone high street hosts, you can find almost anything you’re looking for at one of our town’s retailers.

Look for discount vouchers There are many discounts to be had on the high street.

Lots of shops on our high street give out discount coupons or take part in discount events and sales. One such event is MAIDFEST. Organised by OneMaidstone BID, Maidfest is a weekend long retail celebration of Maidstone where businesses from all over town will be putting on special offers, especially for you. Maidfest 2023 will take place on April 27th - May 1st. Put a reminder in your calendar for April 27th to check out www.maidfest.co.uk for all of the offers available.

Ask for help if you need it There are many resources available for those who will need advice and support over the next year.

A few useful resources are: Maidstone Borough Council www.maidstone.gov.uk/home/other-services/costof-living-advice HSBC www.hsbc.co.uk/financial-fitness/rising-cost-of-living/ www.hsbc.co.uk/financial-fitness/how-to-deal-withrising-living-costs/ Metro Bank www.metrobankonline.co.uk/cost-of-living/blog/ articles/everyday-tips/ Natwest www.natwest.com/life-moments/Strugglingfinancially/cost-of-living.html Business Support Maidstone Business Boost, The Business Terrace and Maidstone Borough Council have services in place for businesses in town. Check our their websites for more details.

COFFEE

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Shopping and Retail

FOR

FIND IT AT FREMLIN Opening Hours

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Monday - Saturday 9:00am to 5:30pm Sunday 10:30am to 4:30pm

OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

Shopping and Retail

Food & drink, handcrafted gifts & much more S AT U R DAY 4 F E B R UA R Y

T H E N T H E F I R S T S AT U R DAY O F E AC H M O N T H

1 0 A M - 3P M

R O YA L S TA R A R C A D E H I G H S T , M A I D S T O N E M E 1 4 1 J L

OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

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Shopping and Retail

STAY D E T C E CONN

@themall.ma

idstone

o Maidst

@Mall

ne

themall.co.uk

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OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

mallmaidstone

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Bid Projects

MAIDSTONE TOWN CENTRE

BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENTS Meet. Connect. Network.

Bringing businesses in Maidstone Town Centre together.

The OneMaidstone BID Networking Events are for businesses in Maidstone Town Centre.

Thursday January 19th Hazlitt Theatre 17:00 – 18:30

Thursday July 20th Save the date Venue & Time TBC

Thursday April 20th The Business Terrace 17:00 – 18:30

Thursday October 19th* 17:00 – 18:30

Register your interest in attending the next networking event here

*This event is to be confirmed, dependant on the results of the OneMaidstone BID Term 2 Ballot

THE MAIDSTONE MARKETING MEETINGS OneMaidstone BID also run regular marketing meetings for Businesses in Maistone Town Centre.

The Maidstone Marketing Meetings are an opportunity for town centre businesses to discuss and share upcoming projects, events and news, allowing for collaboration, support and a strong business community in Maidstone. The Marketing Meetings are by invitation only for business located in Maidstone Town Centre. If you would like to join us, please register your interest here: OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

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In Maidstone Tuesday 14th February 2023

1:30pm

Y

UP TO DA

Instagram: @OneMaidstone

!

TE

Things To Do

STA

Upcoming Events

Facebook: @OneMaidstoneKent Twitter: @OneMaidstone

Wednesday March 1st 2023 10.30 -11.30am

The Jungle Book

Stories And Rhymes

Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone

Maidstone Museum

Funny, exciting, and wildly entertaining. Brought to you by Immersion Theatre.

Listen and join in a story and rhymes, make a themed paper craft to take home. Under 5’s.

Tickets: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/hazlitttheatre/whats-on/the-jungle-book

Tickets: www.museum.maidstone.gov. uk/whats-on/events/stories-and-rhymesmarch-2023/

Tuesday 7th March 2023

Sunday 30th April 2023

Heart Of Kent Hospice

Heart Of Kent Hospice

Maidstone Road Run 2023

Bluebell Walk

Cornwallis Academy

Harrietsham Village Hall, ME17 1AP

A fundraising chip timed circular half marathon, 10K run and 5K run.

The Bluebell Walk follows a picturesque leisurely six-mile ramble amongst the stunning bluebells.

Tickets: www.hokh.org/support-us/events/ maidstone-road-run-2023/

Tickets: www.hokh.org/support-us/events/ bluebell-walk-2023

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OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

Upcoming Events

April 27th-May 1st 2023

April 27th - May 1st 2023

5th - 6th August 2023

Maidfest 2023

Rock The Mote

Maidstone Town Centre

Mote Park, Maidstone

A weekend of offers and deals in Maidstone Town Centre

Line up to be announced

Tickets: www.maidfest.co.uk

Saturday 20th May 2023

7:30pm

Bublé Meets Sinatra: The Showdown!

Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone The exhilarating tribute musical taking Bublé and Sinatra fans by storm.

Tickets: www.skiddle.com/festivals/rock-the-mote/

Friday 30th June 2023

8.15pm

Elvis Outdoor Cinema Whatman Park, Maidstone Elvis has left the building! Immerse yourself in the iconic world of the king, for one night only, an amazing outdoor cinema experience.

Tickets: www.adventurecinema.co.uk

Tickets: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/hazlitttheatre/whats-on/bubl-meets-sinatra-theshowdown OneMaidstone / Winter 2023

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April 27th-May 1st 2023 An Offer Driven Retail Festival

Maidfest is coming back and we need you!

Calling Maidstone Town Centre Businesses A celebration on Town Centre Businesses If you’re a business in Maidstone Town Centre and would like to run an offer during Maidfest, please contact melissa.hanley@onemaidstone.com For more information about Maidfest, turn to page 16