Photo caption: The Sogetsu style of Ikebana demonstration by Stephen Kuo at the 2024 Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival.

Celebrate the arrival of early spring, the stunning beauty of cherry blossoms and the vibrant richness of Japanese culture at this year's Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival on Sunday, April 6.

Visitors to Garry Point Park (12011 – 7th Avenue) can enjoy a variety of cultural performances, explore exhibits and demonstrations, experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and relax while sampling delicious offerings from a selection of food trucks and vendors from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

The theme of this year’s festival is 笑顔 (Egao) “smile,” which reflects the warm hearts of the festival organizers as they see the community smiling and coming together to enjoy the event. Highlights include:

• The Sakura tent – featuring performances and demonstrations on the main stage, including welcoming messages from Mayor Malcolm Brodie and festival directors, and performances by taiko drummers, folk singers and dancers. 
  
• The Hanami tent – featuring calligraphy, bonsai and sakura art displays and demonstrations from local artisans.
  
• The Chibi-Chan tent – where children of all ages can learn how to fold origami creatures using special Japanese papers and techniques. 
  Food trucks and vendors featuring a range of Japanese menu items that can be enjoyed under the blossoms.

The Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival showcases the beauty of 255 Akebono cherry trees that were donated to the City from the BC Wakayama Kenjin Kai.

For more information, visit richmondcherryblossomfest.ca and follow the City of Richmond’s events social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X and Bluesky) @FunRichmond. The City encourages visitors to share their images and experiences on social media using the hashtag #RichmondCherryBlossomFestival.