Sydney’s most “instagrammable” flower event – the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival – is returning to the Auburn Botanic Gardens this weekend.
From Saturday, August 17 until Sunday, August 25, thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the gardens to experience a slice of Japan in western Sydney.
Along with a huge line-up of entertainment, food and photo opportunities, this year’s festival will also celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th birthday with a range of performances and meet and greets offered each day.
Cumberland Council Mayor Lisa Lake said the 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.”
For those after entertainment, headlining performers George & Noriko will be returning with their blend of blues and traditional Japanese music.
There will also be cultural performances including Japanese Taiko drums, plus a range of live Japanese music and performances including Helwa Bellydance and Japanese pro hula hooper Shiho Sparkle Hooper.
Festivalgoers will be able to enjoy Origami workshops, laser tag, Ikebana demonstrations (flower arranging), Hello Kitty craft activities, Bonsai horticultural talks and demonstrations, as well as Manga workshops.
The Japanese Food Village will feature exclusive cherry blossom themed dishes, as well as a selection of Japanese fusion foods including ramen, Japanese barbecue, Japanese cheesecakes, cookies and more.
The Cherry Blossom Bar will be serving up a range of Japanese inspired drinks like Asahi beer, limoncello spritz and prosecco, wine, Sake and cocktails.
With over 150 trees in bloom, Cumberland Council are encouraging visitors to check out the Cherry Arbour in the Japanese Gardens, as well as the Mt Fuji Torii Gate to get the perfect “cherry snap.” 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.
Tickets are on sale now, with Cumberland City Council residents able to get tickets for free.
To find out more go to http://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sydneycherryblossomfestival.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.