After winning the Parks and Leisure Australia's state award earlier this year, the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival has taken out the top award of ‘Major Event of the Year’ at the 2018 International Parks and Leisure Congress held in Melbourne.
Mayor Greg Cummings said the award was well deserved and thanked Council staff for their efforts in putting on an excellent event for the community.
The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Cumberland’s major events bringing people from all over Sydney and the world to our great community,” said Mayor Cummings.
“Beginning as a modest weekend event six years ago, the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival has grown into one of the nation’s premier celebrations of Japanese culture and cuisine, and the largest horticultural festival in NSW.
“This year we welcomed 90,000 visitors to the Auburn Botanic Gardens, ensuring the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival kept its crown as the largest flower festival in NSW.
“The 2018 event welcomed Hello Kitty for her first ever Australian appearance, Japanese ABBA cover band ABBAN, as well as specialist days for kids, seniors, garden lovers and social media enthusiasts.
“The entertainment in the Sumo Stadium and delicious Japanese food all made this year’s event one of the best. This award recognises that and I congratulate everyone involved.
“The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is just one of the great events Council host for the community. Coming up next is our Diwali Festival on Saturday 17 November in Station Street Wentworthville for an evening of live entertainment, roving street performances, markets and cultural fun for the whole family. I encourage all residents to attend.”
