Free Japanese-Style Cherry Blossom Festival Returns to Birmingham City Centre
For over a century, Japan has celebrated the beauty of cherry blossoms through traditional 'hanami' flower-watching parties and numerous festivals. According to the Japanese National Tourism Organisation, this stunning spectacle symbolises human life, transience, and nobleness. Now, families in Birmingham can experience a similar celebration right in the heart of the city.
Event Details and Location
A completely free concert will be held under the pink flowering cherry trees in Oozells Square at Brindleyplace, located outside the Ikon Gallery. Organised by the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG), the Cherry Blossom Concert is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Entry is free, and attendees are welcome to drop in and out as they please or make an afternoon of it by visiting the many cafes and attractions in Brindleyplace.
Interactive Musical Performances
The event will feature an interactive performance of Steve Reich's Clapping Music, where percussionists will guide the audience through the piece. This provides a rare and fun opportunity for people to perform alongside the world-class musicians of BCMG. Stephan Meier, Artistic Director of BCMG, stated, "2026 marks Steve Reich's 90th birthday, so this year's Cherry Blossom Concert is a celebration of this great man. Our performance of Clapping Music, underneath the flowering cherry trees of Brindleyplace, will be a fun opportunity for everyone to join in and have a go at learning an iconic piece of contemporary music."
Meier added, "Young or old, whether you are musical or not, just give it a try and enjoy a lovely afternoon of music as we welcome in the spring."
Additional Performances and Programme
Now in its fifth year, the event will also include performances of Steve Reich's Drumming Part 1, a rhythmic work for four drums, and Theo Loevendie's Doppleriana, performed by three cowbells. The programme will be completed by George Lewis's Oraculum, a solo masterclass in trombone playing. More information can be found on the BCMG website.
Community and Business Support
Matt Long, Senior Asset Manager for Praxis at Brindleyplace, expressed enthusiasm for the event, saying, "It's great for so many people to be able to enjoy the Brindleyplace cherry blossoms. We are pleased to host this event with BCMG and hope everyone enjoys the blossoms and the concert." This collaboration highlights the community spirit and cultural vibrancy of Birmingham, offering a unique springtime experience that combines music, nature, and Japanese traditions in a free, accessible setting.
