The countdown is on until Cumberland City Council’s Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival takes over Auburn Botanic Gardens from Saturday 20 August to Sunday 28 August.
Australia’s most photographed, natural and instagrammable cultural event is gearing up with a line-up of entertainment, food and activities.
For only two weeks of the year the beautiful cherry blossoms will be in full bloom with hundreds of visitors set to wander through the viewing area. The number of visitors allowed into the cherry blossom viewing area will be limited to 45 minute sessions with capped numbers to ensure each visitor’s experience is as enjoyable and relaxed as possible.
Special guest and crowd favourite Hello Kitty will be returning to the event with a garden party of activities and crafts.
“Hello Kitty is really looking forward to hosting her garden party and meeting all the children and families.” her spokesperson said.
To capture the festival’s theme centred around ‘Love, Peace and Blossoms’ there’ll be a range of Japanese inspired activities including a nine-hole Harajuku mini golf course, Japanese Taiko drums, Ikebana (flower arranging), a Sakura Mocktail bar, DJ’s playing Japanese pop music and storytelling.
The Japanese Food Village will be serving up a range of cherry blossom themed dishes including cherry blossom waffles, Sakura burgers, cherry blossom lamingtons and Japanese flavoured cold brews, coffee, sodas and bubble tea.
Nikita Nguyen and Helen Truong from Onigiri Lab will be making their debut at this year’s event serving onigiri (triangular rice balls) and home made milk tea.
‘We’re both really excited to be a part of this year’s festival. It’s the first time we’ll be hosting a food stall and we love the Japanese theme of the festival.” Said Helen Troung.
“We’re inspired by Asian cuisines, especially Japanese food. We just love the freshness and flavours and we want to bring a little bit of Japan closer to home.” she said.
Cumberland City Mayor Lisa Lake said Council is proud to host this iconic event that showcases cultures and the attractions at The Auburn Botanic Gardens.
“The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of Japanese culture, traditions and food to mark the Cherry Blossom trees coming into bloom. We’re looking forward to this year’s event themed around ‘Peace Love and Blossoms.” she said.
“Our program and vendors are really engaged with Japanese culture. As we head into spring it’s a wonderful time of year to get out and experience natural attractions at The Auburn Botanic Gardens.”
To make the experience effortless, festival goers and residents are being encouraged to utilise Council’s free bus transfers from Auburn Station to the gardens. There will also be a pop-up festival carpark in Tavistock Street in Auburn and a fun trackless train, ‘The Sushi Express’ to transport visitors to the gardens.
The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival tickets are on sale now. To book your tickets, head online to Council’s website: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sydneycherryblossomfestival
For media opportunities contact media@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
