The world’s famous cat is coming to Auburn to celebrate her 50th Birthday at the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival.
But will we at last solve the massive mystery about her identity?
Every year, Sydney’s iconic Cherry Blossom Festival brings a taste of Japan to Western Sydney. Held annually in Auburn Botanic Gardens, just a short stroll from Auburn Station and a 30-minute train ride from Central, this beloved event is a highlight on Australia’s calendar.
This year, the festival promises to be extra special – it’s celebrating Hello Kitty’s 50th birthday with exciting performances and meet-and-greets with everyone’s favourite white cat.
While a good chunk of her official character profiles call her “Hello Kitty” or just “Kitty”, her real name is Kitty White, and Hello Kitty was born in the suburbs of London, England on November 1st. Her designer, Yuko Shimizu, says she is actually a little girl.
Whatever her identity, Hello Kitty is a global superstar with 12.5 million Facebook followers and over 50,000 products lines in more than 130 countries. The iconic character alone is worth $4 billion.
So to have this mega star at the Cherry Festival is huge.
To ensure you don’t miss a moment of the magic (and get that perfect Instagram shot), we’ve got the ultimate guide to the festival’s must-see attractions.
All festival tickets must be pre-booked online for entry. Cumberland residents receive free entry, but tickets are still required to reserve your spot as numbers are capped within the gardens.
If you’re planning to drive, be aware that street parking is limited around Auburn Botanic Gardens. However, some parking is available in Tavistock Avenue and Killeen Street, just a 5-minute walk from the venue. Please note that pets are not permitted inside the Auburn Botanic Gardens unless they are registered assistance animals. Not even little white cats!
The Cherry Trail
9am to 4:45pm
Take a self-guided walk through our Japanese Gardens and experience the wonder of our cherry blossom trees in different parts of the garden including the most photographed– The Cherry Arbour. If you’re looking to skip the large crowds the festival is likely to be quieter if you head out on a weekday.
Japanese Food Village
9am to 4:45pm
The Japanese Food Village will take your taste buds on a culinary journey with exclusive cherry blossom themed dishes and a huge selection of Japanese fusion. The Cherry Blossom Bar will also be serving up a range of Japanese inspired drinks.
The Mt Fuji Torii Gate
10am to 4pm
Adjacent to the Food Festival, the Best ‘insta-ready’ opportunity to capture the iconic Cherry Blossoms. From 1pm to 1:30pm get a photo with Hello Kitty at the Mt Fuji Torri Gate. Note, the lines tend to get long during the event so try and start lining up extra early to avoid waiting for too long.
Entertainment
- Hello Kitty Stage Shows everyday during the event from 12pm and 2pm.
- Origami Workshops from 10am to 4pm daily. Get hands on and learn origami, the Japanese art of folding delicate coloured paper into different objects, shapes, and animals. Make your own origami to take home or add your piece to our festival installation. From 10am to 4pm daily.
- Lion Dancing on Saturday 17 at 12.30pm and 3.30pm and Sunday 25 at 2.30pm and 4pm.
- Helwa Bellydance on during various times of the festival. Hikaru Shine is a Fusion Dancer from Japan, specialising in Japanese Fusion Bellydance. Her unique style blends traditional Japanese dance elements with belly dancing, featuring silk and traditional Japanese fans.
- Queenie Chan’s Manga Workshops on Saturday 17 from 10am and 1pm. Learn the Art of Manga under the guidance of Artis Queenie Chan.
Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival
When: Saturday 17 August to Sunday 25 August, 9am to 4:45pm daily
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens – located corner of Chisholm and Chiswick Roads in Auburn
Tickets: From $6.60
