Shillong, Nov 17: Like all good things must come to an end, the exciting two-day Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 came to a symphonic close on Saturday at Madan Kurkalang in Bhoirymbong.
The two-day festival was the perfect weekend getaway after a hectic week, featuring music that soothed the soul and performances that energized the crowd. This year’s festival was packed with top artists from the local scene, across India and around the globe. Big names included legends like Boney M, R&B megastar Akon, DJ R3hab, and the currently popular — Clean Bandit.
The Cherry Blossom Festival is more than just a stage for big names; it’s also a platform that supports local artists, giving them the exposure they need to reach their full potential.
Alongside the music, the festival offered great food and entertainment for both kids and adults. The other attractions was the Japan Arena- a section that wonderfully flaunted the culture, heritage and food of Japan.
While the festival centers on music and good vibes, each day had its unique atmosphere. Day 1 was a nostalgic journey down memory lane, with attendees dancing and singing to hits from the ’80s and ’90s. Performances by Queen Sensation, Boney M, and Akon brought back beloved classics.
In contrast, Day 2 was all about grooving, chilling, and relaxing with contemporary music genres. Attendees arrived in good spirits, with smooth traffic, ample parking and a lineup of uninterrupted performances.
Hosted by Nicky J, the show was both fun and engaging. The crowd was lively, dancing to everything from Wanbha’s War (a dialect from Pynursla) songs and SK Korn’s heavy metal, to Kanika Kapoor’s “Baby Doll,” the beats of Dutch-Moroccan DJ R3hab, and the main act of the day—Clean Bandit, who thrilled the audience with their hit “Symphony.”
Before the festival’s 2024 finale, the organisers kept the excitement high, announcing that tickets for Cherry Blossom 2025 would go on sale starting December 30.
To everyone’s surprise, they also made a major announcement: Nick Carter of the once world-famous boyband, the Backstreet Boys, will headline the 2025 Cherry Blossom Festival.
This news is sure to excite ’90s kids, as the Backstreet Boys were once one of the most popular bands in Shillong.
