Visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

[Newsroom]

Dispel the winter blues by planning a trip to the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Even though we’re heading into the depths of a British Winter, turn your thoughts to Spring by planning a trip to the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC from 27 March to 11 April 2010.

This annual festival celebrates the coming of Spring and commemorates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees by the Japanese in 1912, many of which were planted in the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. 3,800 more trees were given in 1965 and flowering cherry trees now adorn the length and breadth of the city. The two-week National Cherry Blossom Festival is of course centred around the blossoming of these beautiful trees but includes many cultural, sporting and culinary events.

Activities take place every day over the two-weeks, like two-hour bike rides showcasing the natural beauty of the trees in their colourful glory and cruises along the river to view the banks festooned with pink blossoms.

There are also signature events like the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, presented by Southwest Airlines on Saturday 10 April. The Parade showcase entries from across the USA and around the world, including marching bands, cherry blossom queens from the US and Japan, giant balloons, floats and the national Cherry Blossom Festival All Star Tap Dance Team and Youth Choir.

Immediately following the Parade is the Sakura Matsui Japanese Street Festival, presented by the Japan-America Society of Washington, DC, presenting more than 80 organisations highlighting Japanese performances, arts, crafts and food.