Monster trail takes over town centre for Halloween

A town centre in Kent has been taken over by monsters for the half-term holidays.

Maidstone's Monster Mash, organised by One Maidstone BID and Maidstone Borough Council, will see a collection of giant inflatable monsters at prominent locations throughout the town.

The mayor, Councillor Brian Clark, is hoping that people of all ages will enjoy the display.

"This is an amazing event coinciding with Halloween and we want to encourage people to come to the town for this free event with six giant monsters spread around the businesses and buildings," he said.

The Monster Mash trail also includes 16 monsters created by the community, with the overall winner Kevin the Ice Cream Monster designed by primary school pupil Mya.

Mya said she was delighted Kevin had beaten hundreds of other entrants, adding: "I really enjoyed drawing Kevin because I love ice cream."

Michelle Woodland, from One Maidstone Business Improvement District, said the £200,000 investment over two years would "show that we're very serious about bringing people into town to support our businesses".

Standing on top of Maidstone Town Hall with a green inflatable monster, whose eyes waggle in the breeze on giant stalks and whose claws hang over the edge of the building, is Zach Gotto.

He works for Design In Air, the company which provides the monsters and stage events like this across the UK.

Gotto said that with high winds expected, safety is of the utmost importance.

"We monitor all the wind and act accordingly," he said.

"If it gets too much, we'll bring them back down and put them back out when the weather gets a bit nicer."

Maidstone's Monster Mash trail is set to take place from 25-31 October.

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