Sydney - Middle East Times Int’l: The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is returning to the Auburn Botanic Gardens this August and will celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th birthday, as part of the jam-packed program held across nine days from Saturday 17 August to Sunday 25 August.     

Sydney’s most Instagrammable and favourite flower festival makes headlines across Australia every year with thousands flocking to the gardens to experience a slice of Japan in Western Sydney.  

  

Cumberland Mayor Lisa Lake said this important cultural event is a celebration of Japanese culture, traditions and food to mark the Cherry Blossom trees coming into bloom.  

 “For only two weeks of the year, The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival attracts thousands of people to the Auburn Botanic Gardens to experience the rare spectacle of cherry blossom trees also known as ‘Sakura' in full bloom,’ she said.   

“This festival is a one of its kind, offering visitors an opportunity to experience a taste of Japan’s food, culture and traditions while exploring Cumberland’s beautiful gardens and attractions.”  

The bumper program this year celebrates our favourite Kitty’s 50th Birthday with Hello Kitty performances and meet and greets offered each day of the festival. Headlining performers George & Noriko

will also be returning with their blend of blues and traditional Japanese music.   

There will also be cultural performances including Japanese Taiko drums, Origami workshops, hula hoopers, traditional Japanese dancing, laser tag, Ikebana demonstrations (flower arranging), Hello Kitty craft activities, Bonsai horticultural talks and demonstrations, Japanese comics known as ‘Manga’ workshops, plus a range of live Japanese music and performances to create a unique Japanese vibe.    

The Japanese Food Village will take your taste buds on a culinary journey with exclusive cherry blossom themed dishes and a huge selection of Japanese fusion foods including ramen, Japanese barbecue featuring Wagyu meats cooked over coals, Japanese cheesecakes, cookies and more. The Cherry Blossom Bar will be serving up a range of Japanese inspired drinks including Asahi beer, limoncello spritz and prosecco, wine, Sake and cocktails.  

 

Festivalgoers are invited to capture the perfect ‘cherry snap’ at the iconic Cherry Arbour in the Japanese Gardens, and at the Mt Fuji Torii Gate which also offers the best setting for ‘insta-ready’ photos and videos of the iconic Cherry Blossoms. The festival program also offers photo opportunities with Hello Kitty herself.   

The Auburn Botanic Gardens and festival program will be accessible to all visitors from 9am to 4.45pm each day, with tickets on sale now. 

Tickets on sale from https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sydneycherryblossomfestival  

The 2024 Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is proudly sponsored by Oztix.