The Big Event
Kent Scout County’s ‘Big Event’ promised visitors that whether they wanted to watch, interact, participate, listen, think or learn, there would be activities to challenge every one of their senses.
And the 7,000 young people and adults that attended from across the County were certainly not disappointed by all that was on offer.
Held at the County Showground in Detling, Maidstone, this was the biggest event in Kent Scout County’s recent history. With over a hundred activities for people to try, the showground was chosen because it was the only venue big enough to accommodate everyone.
The centrepiece was a multi-activity climbing tower, sponsored by Cotswold. It included a 150ft zip wire, eight position climbing wall, twin track ice wall, prussicking, an abseil wall as well as an aerial runway.
If that was not enough to get the adrenaline flowing, the special visit by a Sea King helicopter got the crowds going with a winching demonstration.
As this is Scouting’s Centenary year, the event featured a ‘Time Zone’, an indoor area that took visitors on a tour of the last hundred years decade by decade.
The area was the brainchild of local Scouter Nick Burring and featured a Scouting museum crammed full of Kent Scout memorabilia.
All of Kent Scout County’s 24 Districts joined in with the fun and festivities, including team sports like human table football. With activities for all Sections running for eight hours both days, it was non-stop participation for every visitor.
The programme featured something for all ages. Along with a whole variety of adventurous activities, the line up also featured two Scout shows, a live rock band, Scalextric car racing, craft activities, a visit from some Star Wars Stormtroopers, dancing demonstrations, medieval re-enactments and even a giant water balloon catapult .
Bunty Ridgway, who was part of the team behind the Big Event, said 'After two years of planning it was great to see so many young people enjoying themselves. Congratulations to Andy Trill and the rest of the team for creating what really was the Big Event of the year for Kent Scouts!'
