Brogdale may be a Faversham farm, but its festivities this weekend aren’t as Kentish as you’d expect.

The home of the National Fruit Collection celebrates the one-day Japanese blossom festival, Hanami, this weekend and although it is rooted in the Orient, its traditions now take place in the county and for a very good reason.

Brogdale is the perfect place to stage the Japanese tradition of welcoming the start of spring with a day under the cherry blossom as it has the largest collection of fruit trees in the world – 350 flowering cherry varieties, plus 150 acres of blossoming fruit trees.

Held in the ornamental orchard where there is the maximum chance to immerse yourself in blossom, visitors can picnic under the blooming trees, and take a tour led by an expert guide, which will take you on a journey around the collection.

The festival day will also host a celebration of Japanese culture with a traditional tea ceremony demonstration, iaijutsu and tameshigiri displays (Japanese sword martial arts) alongside Japanese armour and demonstrations of taiko (Japanese drumming) and an exhibition of traditional Japanese cultural artefacts. A Japanese calligrapher and artist with be demonstrating the ancient art and you can have a go at the art of origami, or try a game of karuta, the traditional Japanese card game, or try on a kimono. Visitors are also encouraged to come dressed for the picnicking experience.

Kent Language School will be hosting activities based around the Japanese language and Kent Bonsai Club will be on hand to show examples of the thousand-year-old horticultural art form.

Brewer Shepherd Neame will have samples of their Japanese Asahi beer and Wagamama will be demonstrating and offering samples of tasty Japanese food.

WHAT IS HANAMI?

The origin of Hanami dates back more than 1,000 years.

It is based on an old Japanese spring ritual, welcoming in the season. British spring time comes at a similar time to Tokyo so the celebrations can be synchronised.

Also known as the “cherry blossom festival,” the annual event is when people gather under blooming cherry blossoms for food, friendship and song – and to appreciate the sakura (cherry blossoms).

The weather, unfortunately, can’t be guaranteed – it could be showers or glorious sunshine!

DETAILS

The Hanami Festival is celebrated at Brogdale on Saturday, April 22. Tickets can be pre-booked at brogdalecollections.org or by calling 01795 536250. Find Brogdale at Brogdale Road, Faversham, ME13 8XZ.