The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is back for its 15th year with nearly a dozen programs to celebrate the city’s most flowery spring event.
The festival is an annual celebration of cherry blossoms inspired by the age-old Japanese cultural tradition of hanami or flower viewing. This year’s event offers several ways to safely take part in interactive and artful ways using drone footage as well as photography and haiku contests.
“We’re all longing for a change of scene here,” reads a release from the festival. “More than ever this spring, when billions of cherry blossoms burst into bloom spreading joy and uplifting spirits in every neighbourhood, our city will be transformed into a fairyland and we will be reminded of the hopeful spirit of spring.”
Among the virtual events offered by the festival is a new cinema experience called In Full Bloom created in partnership with Peacemaker Filmworks and drone pilot Patrick Weir. The short film, expected to be available by April 26, will offer a chance to feel and live this year’s cherry blossom bloom through devices and TV screens.
“With all the added stress of the pandemic, Weir feels we need calm now and to be reminded of the beauty that’s out there,” the release reads.
Also included in the festival is the Soundwalk Dance, created by artistic producer, Desiree Dunbar, and presented by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association. The VCBF invites you to put in your earbuds and discover the beauty of cherry trees in a whole new way with prompts and music.
Then there’s the new online virtual BC Blossom Photo Watch where photographers can see their photos come to life in a virtual mosaic photo collage. As well, poetry enthusiasts can check out the winners of the 2020 Haiku Invitationals. The 2021 contest is now open for submissions.
The festival also has its own virtual fundraiser called Sakura at Home to be held on April 25. According to the release the event will showcase local restaurants and top chefs who will curate an exclusive take-out menu. During the meal, guests will be the first to view In Full Bloom drone film project. Sakura at Home tickets available for sale as of March 5th from the festival’s website.
