The Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is set to return to Polo Ground in Shillong at this year’s event, which is scheduled for November 14-15.
Polo was the site of the concerts at the festival in 2021 but the space proved inadequate given severe traffic problems and inability to meet demand. Police resorted to tear gas to clear the entrance after some would-be concert goers became frustrated and violent after not being let into the venue. Bhoirymbong then became the chosen venue for subsequent editions of the festival, though ‘Shillong’ was still retained in the official event name.
Since then, though, the JN Stadium at Polo has successfully hosted mega concerts, including that of Bryan Adams last winter. The state government is also keen for the stadium to be used for concerts and the like in order to recoup the cost of its recent extensive renovations.
This year’s event will once again bring in a mix of international music, cultural events and immersive experiences, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said during the World Music Day celebration here yesterday.
In addition to the main venue, nearby Second and Third Grounds will also be used, while pop-up experiences and cultural installations are planned across the city, highlighting iconic venues like Ward’s Lake.
