Relaxed Monday morning workshops where you will explore, play and learn new techniques, using watercolours, inks and sketching. Example sessions include learning how to paint birds, how to do loose romantic watercolour flowers, how to explore colour using inks and water. Come and join a friendly and interesting group where you will learn something new. Includes: • Group Tuition • Materials DATE : Every Monday (except bank holidays) TIME : 10 - 12 PRICE: £12pp

Discover Ancient Rome through a spectacular interactive exhibition of original film props & costumes from Gladiator, Spartacus, Ben-Hur, King Arthur and more.  This exciting new exhibition revisits one of the most popular periods of history, Ancient Rome, for an entirely new take on one of the world’s great civilisations. The Roman era has interested storytellers from William Shakespeare to Stanley Kubrick. From AD 2000 with the making of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator the Hollywood Roman epic was reborn. This exhibition brings together Pop-Up Exhibition’s outstanding collection of screen-used cinema and television props, costumes and armour, from films such as Gladiator (2000), King Arthur (2004), Centurion (2009), The Eagle (2011) Ben-Hur (2016) and Spartacus (2010-13). It interprets them in the context of the history and archaeology that have inspired the filmmakers, presenting historical figures in a way that will connect with modern audiences and fans of historical cinema. The exhibition includes interactive and handling elements, original cinema posters and banners, screen-used fabric hangings from Gladiator and museum-standard graphic interpretation. It also includes a section on classic sword and sandal cinema of the 1950s and 60s.

Bring along your little one to draw patterns or just scribble then we will draw around their hands to crate a little paper butterfly preserving their hand print!  This workshop is ideal for ages 3- 6 and will include the use of fine motor skills for colouring in. An adult must stay with the attending children for the duration of the activities, which will take 40-60 mins to complete. £2 per child | booking required

Come and enjoy a relaxing pottery painting session at Creative Maidstone. Choose from our range of small bisque items, select your colours from our porcelain paints and pens then let your creative juices flow! Pottery painting costs £4 per person + the cost of the item(s) you choose to paint. Prices range from £4 to £10 each. Please note, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Come along to Creative Maidstones and get stuck into our paint-your-own pottery station. What to expect: You will come into the hub and speak to a member of our team to get you set up for painting. You will select your blank ceramics and pay for the item you pick out. Ceramic blanks start from £4 Then decorate your blanks with the paints provided. At the end of this session, you will be able to leave your masterpiece at the hub to dry. You will then have 3 weeks to collect it during our open hours: 9 am - 5 pm | Monday - Saturday LEVEL: This session is ideal for all ages and will include fine motor skills, such as using paintbrushes and pens. £4 per person + cost of item painted | Booking Optional | All materials provided Please Note: Please note, an adult must accompany children under the age of 16 at all times. This is not a tutored workshop; it's completely self-led, so you can let your creativity run wild! Booking isn’t required, but to avoid disappointment, we recommend pre-booking a space, as we have a maximum capacity of 10 painters per session.

Digging Into the Darker Side of Kent’s History Explore the hidden world of Kent’s witchcraft past in this engaging talk. Discover how archaeologists uncover clues such as witch bottles, protective charms, and other ritual objects that reveal local fears, beliefs, and everyday practices from centuries ago. A fascinating look at the county’s supernatural history along with an examination of the witch trial which took place in Maidstone in 1652. When : Monday 7th September 2026 Timings : 7 to 8:30pm Price : £10 per person Age : 12+ Places : Limited to 40 people Accessibility: The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the museum.

Have you attended one of our beginner classes and would like to know more? During this 4-week course, you will learn all the skills to make your own bespoke 'Flora' cushion or Lap Blanket including reading patterns crocheting 'in the round' decorative 3D stitches and motifs shaping using increase and decrease stitches joining techniques sizing and adjustments to create bespoke homewares Course cost: £80 (full kit included, worth £35, comprising 500g yarn, printed step-by-step patterns, pack of stitch markers, crochet hook, yarn needle, etc). Tuesday mornings, 10am - 12pm 8, 15, 22 & 29 September

Everyday Policing in 1960s Maidstone Join us for a reflective talk with a former Maidstone police officer as he shares his experiences of working in the town during the 1960s and 70s. Offering a grounded, day‑to‑day perspective on local policing, he will discuss routine duties, the kinds of incidents officers commonly dealt with, and how the role adapted to gradual changes within the community and the police service. This informal session provides an honest look at what working life was like for a constable in Maidstone during this period. When : Tuesday 8th September 2026 Timings : 7 to 8:30pm Price : £10 per person Age : 12+ Places : Limited to 40 people Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the museum.

Join naturalist, zine-maker and designer, Zabby Allen, for a Sketch & Cruise event on Maidstone's iconic Kentish Lady.  Taking inspiration from the river and the wildlife that calls it home, we'll complete a series of gentle creative exercises to help you loosen your creative muscles and find flow in your work. Zabby will share nature facts and noticing prompts along the way to guide your practice, and you'll create a mini zine to take home.  This workshop is suitable for all abilities - you do not have to be a seasoned artist to join!    All materials will be provided, but if you'd like to bring your own, you're more than welcome to.    Tickets: £25 per person, over 18s only. There is a licensed bar on board the Kentish Lady Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026 Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm About Zabby Allen Zabby Allen is a designer and naturalist who writes a weekly Substack newsletter called  Nature Notice Board to help people learn about and connect with the natural world around them. She is a freelance designer and editor of  The Happy Newspaper , as well as a London National Park City Ranger and chairperson of Wild South London.

Discover the stories of those accused of witchcraft in Maidstone Step back into a darker chapter of Maidstone’s history and uncover the stories of those once accused of witchcraft. This thought-provoking event explores the fears, beliefs, and injustices that led to ordinary people being suspected and persecuted. Through historical insight and reflection, we remember the lives affected and consider what their stories reveal about society, then and now. When : Wednesday 9th September 2026 Timings : 7 to 8:30pm Price : £10 per person Age : 16+ Places : Limited to 40 people Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the museum.

Creative Maidstone is looking to broaden our offering of arts-based sessions for under-18s who do not attend mainstream school.  We're therefore inviting parents/guardians who home school to come along to this focus group and fill out a short questionnaire to help us design and implement our Home Education programme.  Bring your young learners along and they can enjoy a free cyanotype printmaking workshop.  Cyanotype is a printing process that uses a chemical solution that, when exposed to UV light, produces a Prussian Blue pigment. By placing objects or photo overlays over the Cyanotype solution, you can make a striking collection of prints. WHAT YOU GET As well as knowledge of a new printmaking technique that can be continued beyond the session, youngsters will also get to take home all 5 wonderful prints made during the session. LEVEL: This workshop is ideal for ages 6 - 17 and is suited to all abilities. No previous experience is necessary, just enthusiasm! Please note: this session is ONLY for those who are home educated. Free session | Booking required | All materials provided

Explore Kent's Medieval History through Castles Kent’s landscape is shaped by some of Britain’s most remarkable medieval castles, from the formidable royal strongholds that once guarded the route between London and Dover, to lesser‑known but equally fascinating fortifications built by local lords. Spanning from the Norman Conquest to the defense anxieties of the 14th and 15th centuries, these castles reveal a rich and varied story of military strategy, political authority, and regional identity. In this engaging talk, medieval historian Richard Eales traces the development of Kent’s castles and explores the debates surrounding their uses—were they military bastions, status symbols, administrative centres, or something more? Focusing on what made Kent unique in the medieval world, Eales brings together architectural evidence, historical context, and decades of scholarly insight. Richard Eales taught medieval history at the University of Kent and is a published authority on Norman Kent, castles, and the Domesday Book. He is also a chess master and has written widely on the history of games. When : Thursday 10th September 2026 Timings : 7 to 8:30pm Price : £10 per person Age : 12+ Places : Limited to 40 places Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the museum.

Celebrating 50 Years of Kits Coty: History, Heritage & Morris Dancing Join the Kits Coty Heritage Society for an afternoon celebrating one of Kent’s most fascinating ancient landmarks. Members will share the history and folklore surrounding the Kits Coty stones, exploring their place in local culture and the ongoing work to preserve this remarkable site for future generations. This year holds special significance, as the Society marks its 50th anniversary in 2026, half a century of dedication to protecting and championing this piece of our heritage. The afternoon will close with a lively display of traditional morris dancing, bringing the day’s celebration of history and community to life. When : Friday 11th September 2026 Timings : 2 to 3:30pm Price : £10 per person Age : All welcome Places : Limited to 30 people Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the museum.

Explore 600,000 years of Kent's archaeological history. Join the Kent Archaeological Society’s Curator for a guided tour of the Lives in Our Landscape Gallery at Maidstone Museum. Exploring objects, landscapes and stories from across Kent, the tour will uncover how people have lived, worked and shaped the county, covering 600,000 years of Kent's history. Drawing on highlights from the Kent Archaeological Society collections, visitors will gain a deeper insight into the archaeology and heritage of Kent through the gallery’s remarkable finds and displays. Suitable for anyone with an interest in local history, archaeology and the stories behind the objects on display. When : Friday 11th September 2026 Timings : 7 to 8:30pm Price : £15 per person Age : All welcome Places : Limited to 20 places Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential.

Celebrate your everyday history by preserving the present for your future self. What would you like people in the future to know about life today? Join us this Heritage Open Days for a special time capsule event, where visitors of all ages are invited to help capture a snapshot of our lives, stories, and experiences in the present day. Take part in creative activities, share memories, write messages to the future, or contribute ideas that reflect everyday life now. Together, we’ll decide what should be preserved and sealed away as a time capsule for future generations to discover. This drop‑in, hands‑on event is a chance to reflect on our shared heritage — and what we choose to pass on. When : Saturday 12th September 2026 Timings : Three sessions available 10.15-11.15 11.30-12.30 1.30-2.30 Price : Free of charge. Please consider donating or becoming a  Maidstone Museums' Friends  member. Age : Everyone welcome Places : Limited to 15 per session Accessibility : The room and our toilets are accessible. Please note the room might be loud with other visitors. Booking is essential.

Come along to Creative Maidstones and get stuck into our paint-your-own pottery station. What to expect: You will come into the hub and speak to a member of our team to get you set up for painting. You will select your blank ceramics and pay for the item you pick out. Ceramic blanks start from £4 Then decorate your blanks with the paints provided. At the end of this session, you will be able to leave your masterpiece at the hub to dry. You will then have 3 weeks to collect it during our open hours: 9 am - 5 pm | Monday - Saturday LEVEL: This session is ideal for all ages and will include fine motor skills, such as using paintbrushes and pens. £4 per person + cost of item painted | Booking Optional | All materials provided Please Note: Please note, an adult must accompany children under the age of 16 at all times. This is not a tutored workshop; it's completely self-led, so you can let your creativity run wild! Booking isn’t required, but to avoid disappointment, we recommend pre-booking a space, as we have a maximum capacity of 10 painters per session.

Slow Down & Create: A Beginner's Calligraphy Workshop Take some time out for yourself and discover the calming art of modern pointed nib calligraphy in this relaxed and welcoming one and a half hour beginner's workshop. Whether you've always wanted to try calligraphy or are simply looking for a creative way to unwind, this workshop will guide you through the fundamentals of modern calligraphy step by step. You'll learn how to hold the pen, create beautiful letterforms and develop your own flowing style in a friendly, supportive environment. During the session, you'll create a selection of elegant gift tags and greetings cards to take home, perfect for adding a personal touch to gifts or keeping for special occasions. As well as learning a new skill, calligraphy offers wonderful wellbeing benefits. The slow, mindful movements encourage you to relax, switch off from the stresses of everyday life and focus on the present moment. At the end of the workshop, you'll also receive your own beginner's calligraphy kit to take home, complete with everything you need to continue practising and enjoying this beautiful craft. No previous experience is needed, and all materials are provided. Simply come along, relax and enjoy a creative afternoon while learning a timeless new skill.

Enjoy a daytime walk with the Park Manager exploring the living landscape, past and present, and its many uses. Walk is approximately 3 hrs, so you may like to bring water and perhaps a small snack. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

House on the hill photo holder     Come and get creative in this air dry clay workshop, led by ceramicist Laura Hollis.  Relax for a couple of hours as you make your very own cute and quirky House on a Hill photo holder. Use your imagination to build your own unique art piece, experiment with textures and design with step by step instruction. Then paint lots of lovely colours.  Beginner friendly  £25 per person   Age 14+ Bring a box to take your masterpiece home.

Come along to Creative Maidstones and get stuck into our paint-your-own pottery station. What to expect: You will come into the hub and speak to a member of our team to get you set up for painting. You will select your blank ceramics and pay for the item you pick out. Ceramic blanks start from £4 Then decorate your blanks with the paints provided. At the end of this session, you will be able to leave your masterpiece at the hub to dry. You will then have 3 weeks to collect it during our open hours: 9 am - 5 pm | Monday - Saturday LEVEL: This session is ideal for all ages and will include fine motor skills, such as using paintbrushes and pens. £4 per person + cost of item painted | Booking Optional | All materials provided Please Note: Please note, an adult must accompany children under the age of 16 at all times. This is not a tutored workshop; it's completely self-led, so you can let your creativity run wild! Booking isn’t required, but to avoid disappointment, we recommend pre-booking a space, as we have a maximum capacity of 10 painters per session.

Scandal, intrigue, and downfall: the wild world of Charles II’s court revealed. The Restoration court of Charles II was infamous for its environment of hedonism and vice. Join historian Andrea Zuvich as she covers the scintillating and shocking sex and love scandals of this debauched court, and unpleasant ends of some of the wildest of the rakes and rogues. When : Thursday 17th September Timings : 7 to 8:30pm Price : £15 per person Age : 16+ Places : Limited to 40 places Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential.

Enjoy an early evening walk with the Park Manager exploring the living landscape, past and present, and its many uses. A chance to see the park as the sun goes down and spot some different wildlife at this special time of day. Walk is approximately 3 hrs. You may like to bring water and perhaps a small snack. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Bring your little artist to play with paints. Creative Maidstone’s lead artist, Christie. What to expect: * This activity will take around 45 minutes, and an adult must accompany children during the session. * Your little artists will get to use their imagination to paint whatever they can dream up. * You can leave artwork at the hub to dry and collect it another day WHAT YOU GET As well as building on your little ones' fine motor skills, you will also get to take home their amazing LEVEL: This workshop is ideal for toddlers ages 3 - 6 and will include the use of fine motor skills; such as holding a paintbrush & sponges. £2.50 per child | Booking Required | All materials provided

Street art is getting tiny at Creative Maidstone! Join Christie, our lead artist, for our teens' miniature Lollipop fence graffiti workshop.   What to expect: * Learn about mural artwork and different street art styles * Then we will make our fences and design our mini murals * Finally, we will transfer our designs to our fences and look at paint techniques  WHAT YOU GET As well as your knowledge of street art and murals that you can continue beyond the session, you will also get to take home your Graffiti fence made during the session. LEVEL: This workshop is ideal for ages 11 - 16 and is suited to any ability. No previous experience is necessary, just enthusiasm!  £5 per person | Booking required | All materials provided

What will you discover in the observatory tower? Only open twice a year, climb the Observatory Tower, overlooking town and Brenchley Gardens. When : Saturday 19th September 2026 Timings : Six sessions throughout the day Session 1 : 10am - 10:30am Session 2 : 10:45am - 11:15am Session 3 : 11:30am - 12pm Session 4: 1pm - 1:30pm Session 5 : 1:45pm - 2:15pm Session 6 : 2:30pm - 3pm Price : £10 per person Age : Due to the limited space in the observatory, as well as the 42 steps each way, the tour is not suitable for Under 5s. Places : Limited to 6 per session Accessibility : Please note there are 42 steps each way, and the staircase is narrow and winding. Booking is essential. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the museum.

A whistle stop tour covering 400 years of Maidstone's history! Join Samantha Harris, Collections Manager at Maidstone Museums, for a guided tour of the reopened Oldham Gallery: Exploring Maidstone’s Past and Present. As Samantha leads you through the refreshed displays, she will highlight newly incorporated stories and expand on familiar ones, revealing how the gallery has been re‑imagined. Discover fascinating new themes including witchcraft, everyday life, gin distilling, and the town’s sporting and entertainment heritage, all woven together to present a richer, more inclusive view of Maidstone’s history. This tour offers a unique insight into how collections evolve, and how fresh perspectives can bring the past vividly to life. Perfect for curious minds and heritage lovers, this tour invites you to slow down, look closer and reconnect with the Oldham Gallery as a historic space with stories still waiting to be discovered. When: Saturday 19th September 2026 Timings: Four sessions throughout the day  Session 1: 11:30 to 12pm Session 2: 1 to 1:30pm Session 3: 2 to 2:30pm Session 4: 3 to 3:30pm Price: Free of charge. Please consider donating or becoming a  Maidstone Museums' Friends  member. Age: Everyone welcome Places: Limited to 15 per session Accessibility: The Oldham Gallery is accessible using our FlexStep Booking is essential.

Come and enjoy a relaxing pottery painting session at Creative Maidstone. Choose from our range of small bisque items, select your colours from our porcelain paints and pens then let your creative juices flow! Pottery painting costs £4 per person + the cost of the item(s) you choose to paint. Prices range from £4 to £10 each. Please note, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Ever wonder how Galleries decide what artwork goes where? Or what's the secret to getting a nice neat frame? Or why you get 4 little rectangles of wood with a canvas? Then this might be the masterclass for you! Spend the day with Christie who has over 7 years experience in framing, curation and hanging, as well as working and exhibiting their own artwork across the south east from small independent galleries to prestigious galleries such as The Bankside Gallery, with The Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers. As this is a full-day session, there will be a one hour lunch break. This workshop is aimed at artists aged 18+ looking to improve their skills. £30 per person | Booking required | All materials provided

Come and enjoy a seasonal concert of Chinese music, performed by The Robins.  Interconnected, balanced and harmonious. The Robins aim to engage and share their music with contemporary lifestyles and hybrid cultures with audiences around the world. Performances supported by Harmony Maidstone. There are two performances and tickets must be booked in advance. Saturday 26 September, 11:45am - 12:30pm & 2:45pm - 3:30pm Tickets: £11, Concessions: £5.50

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this Hidden Gem in Maidstone! Join us for a walk through a different era with a private tour of our Carriage Museum with expert Amy Bracey from the Carriage Foundation. When : 26th September 2026 Timings : 3 sessions throughout the day Session 1: 10am - 11:30am Session 2: 12:30 - 2pm Session 3: 2:30 - 4pm Price : £10 per person Age: 12+ Places : There are just 20 places per tour Accessibility : Please note the Carriage Museum is on two floors, with a flight of stairs. Please meet at the Carriage Museum no more than 10 minutes before the start of this event. Booking is essential. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the museum.

Come along to Creative Maidstones and get stuck into our paint-your-own pottery station. What to expect: You will come into the hub and speak to a member of our team to get you set up for painting. You will select your blank ceramics and pay for the item you pick out. Ceramic blanks start from £4 Then decorate your blanks with the paints provided. At the end of this session, you will be able to leave your masterpiece at the hub to dry. You will then have 3 weeks to collect it during our open hours: 9 am - 5 pm | Monday - Saturday LEVEL: This session is ideal for all ages and will include fine motor skills, such as using paintbrushes and pens. £4 per person + cost of item painted | Booking Optional | All materials provided Please Note: Please note, an adult must accompany children under the age of 16 at all times. This is not a tutored workshop; it's completely self-led, so you can let your creativity run wild! Booking isn’t required, but to avoid disappointment, we recommend pre-booking a space, as we have a maximum capacity of 10 painters per session.

Create Your Own Leather Keyring Money Pouch with this guided workshop by Mona Whitton! Join Mona Whitton, Kent-based artist, as she guides you through creating your own leather money pouch. All skills welcomed, and all materials provided. When : Saturday 3rd October 2026 Timings : Three sessions 9-11am 12-2pm 3-5pm Price : £35 per person Age : 16+ Places : Limited to 10 places Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible via our lift. Booking is essential.

Uncover the Maidstone Connection to a Woman Who Shaped a Dynasty Mother to a queen, grandmother to a king — Jacquetta of Luxembourg held the fate of the Plantagenet dynasty in her hands... don't miss out on this eye-opening local connection! Jacquetta of Luxembourg stood at the centre of the Wars of the Roses, a woman whose choices shaped the fate of dynasties. She witnessed the rise of the House of York, the fall of kings, and the dawn of the Tudor age — and her story has surprising roots right here in Maidstone. Part of Maidstone LitFest, this talk is led by historian and author Amanda Harvey Purse, whose latest book Henry's Roses brings the overlooked women of the medieval court back into sharp focus. This event places Jacquetta centre stage — exploring her influence, her controversies, and why she deserves to be remembered. The session includes a Q&A and book signing. When : Thursday 8th October 2026 Timings : 2 to 3:30pm Price : £15 per person Age : 12+ Places : Limited to 40 people Accessibility: The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the museum.

Explore the Museums Stores with a guided tour! Join a guided behind the scenes tour of the Museum’s stores by the Collections Manager, with a focus on the fascinating art collections, including oil paintings, watercolours, prints and drawings, which aren’t usually on display. Hear stories about local and national artists, with insight into their works, such as Albert Goodwin, William Alexander and Margaret Hazlitt, as well as international artists represented in the Japanese Woodblock Print Collections, such as Hokusai, Hiroshige and Utamaro. When : Saturday 10th October 2026 Timings : Two sessions: 10:30am to 12pm 2 to 3:30pm Price : £15 per person Age : 12+ Places : Limited to 15 places per tour Accessibility :  Due to the narrow corridors of our Store Rooms, this room is not accessible to wheelchairs. Booking is essential.

Join Ian from Boots on Adventures as we go foraging to explore the folklore and myths surrounding many of the trees and plants in Mote Park. Discover the many and varied uses of trees like the beech and elder, and the stories that surround them. After the walk, we’ll head back to the Learning Space, where you’ll enjoy a tutored creative session with Sheilagh. Taking inspiration from your favourite tree/story, you’ll create a delightful little book using oak gall ink and rubbings of leaves, bark and other foraged items collected on the walk. Pre-prepared oak gall ink will be available to use but you will also learn how to make your own and take a jar away with you (it takes a few weeks to mature). All materials will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own sketching equipment if you have it. £15 per person 1pm - 4pm About Ian Ian is the founder of Boots on Adventures, leading guided walks and nature-based experiences that help people reconnect with the landscape around them. With a strong interest in tree folklore and traditional plant uses, he blends practical knowledge with the rich myths and stories rooted in the British countryside. Ian has led a variety of educational walks and workshops for adults, creating welcoming, informative sessions that inspire curiosity and confidence in the natural world. His approach is relaxed, engaging and rooted in a genuine passion for sharing the hidden tales and uses of the trees and plants that surround us. About Sheilagh Sheilagh is a mixed media artist with a special interest in eco-dyeing and printing using natural and found materials, and a passion for recycling. A compulsive treasure seeker with a grunge-loving fascination for time-worn linens, peeling paint and rust, she discovered botanical printing nearly a decade ago, and has been investigating and experimenting with natural colour on paper and fabric ever since.  It combines perfectly with her love of making softly textured books and junk journals, often capturing precious memories of place and time. A ‘Blue Peter’ girl at heart, her mum taught her essential skills in sewing, knitting and dressmaking from a young age, and instilled a keen ‘make do and mend’ ethos, long before it became fashionable.  Sheilagh’s interest in pursuing these artistic tendencies really began in earnest when she studied GCSE and A-level ‘Art & Photography’ as a mature student at Adult Education classes, driven by a need to find something of her own after becoming a mum herself. She is a member of several exhibiting textile groups including Mid Kent Embroidery & Textile group (previously Maidstone Embroiderer’s Guild), and her work has been included in several publications by Batsford. Sheilagh has delivered talks and workshops about her creative passions, always keen to ‘pass on the baton’ of creativity.

Bring your little artist to play with paints. Creative Maidstone’s lead artist, Christie. What to expect: * This activity will take around 45 minutes, and an adult must accompany children during the session. * Your little artists will get to use their imagination to paint whatever they can dream up. * You can leave artwork at the hub to dry and collect it another day WHAT YOU GET As well as building on your little ones' fine motor skills, you will also get to take home their amazing LEVEL: This workshop is ideal for toddlers ages 3 - 6 and will include the use of fine motor skills; such as holding a paintbrush & sponges. £2.50 per child | Booking Required | All materials provided

Join WeClick CIC and The Samba Girls for an uplifting evening exploring samba as more than simply a dance. Inspired by the Brazilian tradition of comunidade , where samba schools act as vital community spaces bringing neighbours, families and generations together, this inclusive session will celebrate identity, belonging and collective joy through rhythm, movement and storytelling. Participants will learn accessible samba movements, explore the cultural and community roots of carnival and experience the energy of moving together. No previous dance experience is needed, and movements can be adapted to suit different abilities. £7 per person Friday 16 October, 6.30pm - 8pm Refreshments will be provided

As the days get colder and the leaves start to change join Christie for a cosy autumnal watercolour painting session. Learn to use traditional watercolour techniques to create a lovely warm toned colour pallet. This workshop is ideal for ages 16+ and will include the use of fine motor skills; using a pencil & paintbrush. £10 per person | All materials provided

Something spooky this way comes with our Halloween-themed still life drawing class, with Creative Maidstone’s lead ghoul, Christie! What to expect: * Using a variety of drawing mediums such as pencils, charcoal & pastels, you will get to draw a seasonal display of objects to get you in the spooky spirit in the lead-up to Halloween WHAT YOU GET As well as practising your drawing skills, you can continue beyond the session; you will also get to take home all of your drawings made during the session. LEVEL: This workshop is ideal for ages 17+ and is suited to any ability. No previous experience is necessary, just enthusiasm!  £8 per person | Booking required | All materials provided

Discover the world of the Paranormal in Kent with Neil Nixon. Local author and paranormal expert Neil Nixon takes a deep dive into the mass of mysteries surrounding Kent, covering ghost legends, UFO events and an infamous mythical beast that may have been extraterrestrial. Somewhere in the plethora of possibilities is one event he truly believes is paranormal! Bring an open mind! When : Thursday 22nd October 2026 Timings : 7 to 8:30pm Price : £15 per person Age : All welcome Places : Limited to 40 places Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential.

Mark your place with a little handmade magic Slow down, get creative and celebrate the joy of books at this relaxed hand‑stitching session as part of Maidstone Lit Fest. Inspired by bookshelves and well‑loved stories, you’ll create your own stitched textile bookmark, perfect for marking the pages of your favourite read. Kent‑based textile artist Anne Kelly (Anne Kelly Textiles) will guide you through the process, using felt, fabric strips and simple embroidery techniques to build up colourful, book‑inspired designs. No previous stitching experience is needed – just bring your enthusiasm for making and a love of books. When : Saturday 24th October 2026 Time : 10am to 1pm Price : £25 per person Age : 16+ Places : 18 places for this workshop Accessibility : The Glass Room and our toilets are fully accessible. Skill : All skills welcomed. What to bring : All supplies will be provided, but you can bring your own materials too! Booking is essential. © Image @ fabricandink on Instagram

Join us in celebrating Black History Month in Maidstone with an interactive African Drumming session led by JOLÁ ADÉBÍMÍPÈ. When : Wednesday 28th October 2026 Timings : Two sessions Session 1: 10:30am to 11:15am Session 2: 11:30am to 12:15pm Price : Free but booking required Age : All welcome Places : Limited to 30 places a session Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible Please note the session will be loud with music and may be crowded. Booking is essential.

Get ready for spookiest day of the year with this teens felt hanging decoration with Christie our lead artist at Creative Maidstone. Learn to pattern trace onto felt and how to hand sew using a blanket stitch. This workshop is ideal for ages 11-16 and will include the use of fine motor skills; using scissors, and a sewing. An adult must stay with the attending under 16s for the duration of the activity £5 per child | Booking required | All materials provided

Join us for a spooky spider making session using a paper bowl, with Christie our lead artist at Creative Maidstone This workshop is ideal for Under 16s and will include the use of fine motor skills; holding pens This will be a messy session so please wear old cloths you don't mind getting messy An adult must stay with the attending under 16s for the duration of the activity £3 per child | Booking required | All materials provided

Are you ready to experience the thrill of the unknown? Join us at Maidstone Museum for an unforgettable night of ghost hunting and paranormal exploration! Watch as seasoned ghost hunters use state of the art technology to detect and communicate with the unknown and discover the eerie history of Maidstone Museum and hear spine-chilling tales of its haunted past. When : Friday 23rd October 2026 Timings : 8pm - 11pm Price : £30 per person Age : 18+. Please bring a valid form of ID. Places : Limited to 25 places Accessibility : Most of the museum is accessible. The bottom floor fully accessible, and part of the top floor is accessible via stair lifts and lifts.  Booking is essential. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the museum.

Are you ready to experience the thrill of the unknown? Join us at Maidstone Museum for an unforgettable night of ghost hunting and paranormal exploration! Watch as seasoned ghost hunters use state of the art technology to detect and communicate with the unknown and discover the eerie history of Maidstone Museum and hear spine-chilling tales of its haunted past. When : Friday 30th October 2026 Timings : 8pm - 11pm Price : £25 per person Age : 18+. Please bring a valid form of ID. Places : Limited to 25 places Accessibility : Most of the museum is accessible. The bottom floor fully accessible, and part of the top floor is accessible via stair lifts and lifts.  Booking is essential. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the museum.

Join us this Halloween for a wicked session of crafting with Christie our lead artist who haunts the halls of Creative Maidstone OoooOoOooOoo During this session you will make a spooky scene in a small jar decorated like an overgrown graveyard and with a little ghost to float around inside. This workshop is ideal for age 11 - 16 and will include the use of fine motor skills; holding a paint brush and using scissors An adult must stay with the attending under 16s for the duration of the activity £6 per child | Booking required | All materials provided

Get Ready for Spooky Fun and Halloween Giggles! Join us for a fun-filled Halloween celebration with games, crafts and spooky surprises—perfect for little ghouls and goblins. Prize for the best dressed! When : Saturday 31st October 2026 Timings : 5 to 7pm Price : £5 per person Age: All welcome, aimed for 10 and under Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential.

An Evening of Magic Awaits—Dare to Dress the Part… In collaboration with Maidstone Pride, join us for an enchanting evening of fantasy, celebration and creativity. Dress as your favourite magical or mythical character and dance the night away. Prize for the best dressed! When : Saturday 31st October 2026 Timings : 8pm to 12am Price : £15 per person Age : 18+ Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential.

Join Christie to learn the craft of bookbinding and make your very own hardback from scratch! Perfect for bookbinding newbies. We'll get stuck into traditional bookbinding techniques and vocabulary. This workshop is ideal for ages 16+ and will include the use of fine motor skills; using a pencil, sewing with a needle Booking essential £10 per person | All materials provided

Curious about Dungeons & Dragons? Join this beginner-friendly session and step into a world of imagination, storytelling and adventure. When : Saturday 7th November 2026 Timings : 11am to 4pm (drop in session) Price: Free Age: All welcome Accessibility: The room and our toilets are fully accessible Age : All welcome Booking is essential.

Let’s Rock ‘n’ Roll – 50s Music & Dance Party! Slim Si & the Smokin Aces will be performing live at Maidstone Museum for a 50s bash. Get your dancing shoes on for some rock and roll! When : Saturday 7th November Timings : 7:30 to 11pm Price : £10 per person Age : 18+ Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential.

Join us to craft your own set of hand-painted watercolour Christmas cards and gift tags. Materials and expert tuition, plus festive nibbles and a glass of bubbles all included! £25 per person, strictly over 18s only Two sessions available: Afternoon: 2.30pm - 4.30pm Evening: 6.30pm - 8.30pm

From Edo to Kyoto: A 19th-Century Journey Through Japan’s Tōkaidō Way Take a journey along Japan’s Tōkaidō Way (‘East Sea Road’) from the military capital Edo (Tokyo) to the imperial capital Kyoto in Japan, with iconic ukiyo-e print artist Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858). These outstanding prints chart the 319 mile (514 km) journey as viewed by Hiroshige while travelling with a delegation of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1832. Through the creativity of the Japanese woodblock print master, viewers can experience the long and arduous journey taken by travellers for centuries. A journey which could take between a week and a month to complete depending on the weather This complete series of 55 prints charts the entire journey, capturing the people, buildings, daily life, rituals and hugely varied, beautiful and fascinating landscapes of a lost period in Japan’s history.

Bring your little artist to play with paints. Creative Maidstone’s lead artist, Christie. What to expect: * This activity will take around 45 minutes, and an adult must accompany children during the session. * Your little artists will get to use their imagination to paint whatever they can dream up. * You can leave artwork at the hub to dry and collect it another day WHAT YOU GET As well as building on your little ones' fine motor skills, you will also get to take home their amazing LEVEL: This workshop is ideal for toddlers ages 3 - 6 and will include the use of fine motor skills; such as holding a paintbrush & sponges. £2.50 per child | Booking Required | All materials provided

Let’s Party at the Museum! Partying at the museum is BACK! Join the Museum this November for a night of music, dancing and fun! Expect three music channels playing all your favourite tunes in the stunning historic building. When : Saturday 21st November 2026 Timings: Two sessions: 6:30PM - 9:00PM 9:30PM - 12:00AM Price : £15 per person Age : 18+ Valid photographic I.D. may be requested on entry. Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential.

A Mindful Christmas Calligraphy Workshop: Personalise Your Own Baubles Take some time for yourself and discover the relaxing art of modern brush pen calligraphy in this friendly and welcoming two-hour beginner's workshop. Perfect for complete beginners, you'll learn the fundamentals of modern brush lettering, including how to form beautiful letter shapes, connect letters into words and develop your own elegant style. With easy-to-follow guidance throughout, you'll soon gain the confidence to create beautiful lettering of your own. Using your new skills, you'll personalise and decorate two beautiful Christmas baubles to take home, creating unique keepsakes to treasure or thoughtful handmade gifts for loved ones. Brush pen calligraphy is more than just learning a new craft. The slow, mindful movements encourage you to relax, focus on the present moment and switch off from the stresses of everyday life.  At the end of the workshop, you'll also receive a beginner's workbook to take home, giving you everything you need to continue practising and developing your new skills at your own pace. No previous experience is needed, and all materials are provided. Simply come along, enjoy a relaxing creative session and leave with beautiful handmade baubles, a new skill and the confidence to continue your calligraphy journey. £20 per person Tuesday 24th November 2:00 - 3:30

Discover the fascinating journey of Julius Brenchley and our Solomon Islands collection. Focusing on the ethnographic/World Culture collections of local Julius Lucius Brenchley - our Victorian Gentleman Explorer, this talk and tour takes us around the world in his 19th century travels, with the fascinating places and people he visited and the collections he acquired, including the early, rare and internationally significant Solomon Islands artefacts, a collection which is also held at the British Museum. When : Thursday 25th June 2026 Timings : 7 to 8:30pm Price : £15 per person Age : All welcome Places : Limited to 40 places Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible Booking is essential.

Get into the Christmas Spirit with a traditional Wreath Making Workshop at Maidstone Museum.  Perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike, this workshop offers a chance to develop new skills and take home a stunning seasonal piece! Working in collaboration with Maidstone Borough Council's Parks team, all the foliage will be collected locally just days before your workshop.  When : Saturday 28th November 2026 Timings : Two sessions 10am to 12pm 1pm to 3pm Price : £35 per person Age : 16+ Places : Limited to 10 places Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible via our lift. Booking is essential.

Get ready for Hanukkah by making your own menorah that you can take home and mark each of the 8 days of Hanukkah.  This workshop is with Christie, our lead artist at Creative Maidstone and is ideal for under 16s. It will include the use of fine motor skills; using scissors, pencils paint brushes and gluesticks.  This is a messy workshop so please wear old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.  A parent/guardian must stay with their child throughout the session. £3 per child | All materials provided

Come and learn the traditional copper foil stained glass method in this fun 2hr workshop, where you will make your own penguin tree decoration.  No experience necessary. Expert tuition and all materials will be provided. £25 per person Times: 2.30pm - 4.30pm OR 6.30 - 8.30pm

Join Christie, our lead artist at Creative Maidstone, for a scrumptious collage gingerbread man workshop. This workshop is ideal for under 16s and will include the use of fine motor skills; using scissors, pencils and gluesticks. Parents must stay with their child for the duration of the workshop. £4 per child | All materials provided

Create Your Resin Flower Bunch with this guided workshop by Mona Whitton! Join Mona Whitton, Kent-based artist, as she guides you through creating your resin flower bunch. All skills welcomed, and all materials provided. When : Saturday 12th December 2026 Timings : Three sessions 9-11am 12-2pm 3-5pm Price : £35 per person Age : 16+ Places : Limited to 10 places Accessibility : The room and our toilets are fully accessible via our lift. Booking is essential.

Bring your little artist to play with paints. Creative Maidstone’s lead artist, Christie. What to expect: * This activity will take around 45 minutes, and an adult must accompany children during the session. * Your little artists will get to use their imagination to paint whatever they can dream up. * You can leave artwork at the hub to dry and collect it another day WHAT YOU GET As well as building on your little ones' fine motor skills, you will also get to take home their amazing LEVEL: This workshop is ideal for toddlers ages 3 - 6 and will include the use of fine motor skills; such as holding a paintbrush & sponges. £2.50 per child | Booking Required | All materials provided

Meet the artist behind our current our current exhibiting for an in-depth look into his portfolio of work and creative practice. During this Interactive Seminar, Marcus Price will talk about how important moments in his personal life and world events have permeated his poetry and painting. Marcus’ first publication ‘Asleep on the Volcano, The Poetic Landscape of Psychotherapy, 2021’ was written as a response to his experiences of a forensic psychiatric institution.      Marcus collaborated with Group Analyst and Author Mike Tait, with a second book, ‘The Visitors, A Journey of Questions in Words and Paintings - 2025.’ A fictional work which makes a powerful challenge to the way we understand contemporary institutions. His recent collection of paintings, ‘Identity Crises’ depicts images of hardly defined figures, mostly struggling or unable to place themselves in the world.      There will be plenty of time for discussion and reflection.       Schedule   10:00 - 10:30 Meet and coffee   10:30 - 12:00 Interactive Seminar  12:00 - 12:30 - More coffee, book signings, and goodbyes.