The stage is set for the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 which will begin tomorrow at Madan Kurkalang, Bhoirymbong.
The three-day festival which will conclude on November 19 will have an eclectic lineup of musicians from the State as well as nationally renowned singers besides international artistes such as former Boyzone member Ronan Keating and American hit-maker Ne-Yo of the ‘Let me love you’ fame.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh recently had said that there will be a footfall of 30,000 visitors per day at the festival which means that by the end of the event there will be one lakh visitors and 90 per cent of them will be tourists from outside including international tourists.
However, the festival was caught in controversy as certain pressure groups and Christian bodies opposed the decision to conclude it on a Sunday. They also said that ending the festival on a Sunday tantamount to disrespect of the sentiments of Christians in the State.
To placate the groups, the State government has directed the organisers of the festival to commence the programme planned for November 19 after church service at 3 pm.
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of culture, art, and music, and this year’s edition is having an unforgettable medley of pop stars and DJs.
Further, the festival offers a diverse range of activities, from cosplay competitions and beauty pageants to choir contests, graffiti and art installations, karaoke contests, a Ferris wheel, and a thrilling zipline.
The musical artistes performing on the first day of the festival tomorrow include Sanam, Hybrid Theory, Kenny Musik, 4th Element, The Band Phantasm, DBRYN, Gwyneth, Dalariti, CYCO, Aminio, Dr Legend, and Chevinia.
On the second day on November 18, the artistes who set to perform include American singer Ne-Yo, Meba Ofilia, Pink Panda, Snow White, Rahul Rajkhowa, Street Stories – Banjop, Empirical Tribe – Tenny, Zethan, Ricaa Stella, and Banker Kharkongor.
The concluding day of the festival will witness the much-anticipated performance from former Boyzone vocalist Ronan Keating, Jonas Blue, Lou Majaw, Blue Temptation, Da Minot, Nokpante, Rhem, Favian, Wanjop Sohkhlet, Banrap, Youngg Nate, Meban, Lamphrang, and Toshan.
