Rosyth Public Park is turning Japanese on Saturday 6th December in a celebration of the iconic Sakura cherry tree.
The Sakura Cherry Tree Party is free for all to attend and marks the culmination of planting of the cherry trees in parks across Fife led by Fife Climate Forest and Climate Action Fife.
A tree planting ceremony and celebration in Rosyth Public Park, from 1pm to 3.30pm, will be hosted by a representative from the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh. As part of the celebration, there will be Japanese crafts to try, such as origami and calligraphy. And the party includes haiku writing and readings, dance and music, nature and climate related activities and a Furoshiki present-wrapping demonstration from Fife Climate Hub.
The party is organised with the help of EATS Rosyth. They’ve been working with local Rosyth primary schools, through their EATS Educates programme, to write haiku which will be shared on the day. EATS Living Room Café is helping with refreshments.
Sakura cherry trees have been planted in Dunnikier Park, Balbirnie Park, Craigtoun Country Park and Rosyth Public Park.
Rebecca Logsdon is Community Engagement Manager for Fife Climate Forest, based at Fife Coast and Countryside Trust. She says of the Sakura Cherry Tree: “These beautiful blossom trees are a symbol of friendship, renewal, and hope. They will also help expand Fife’s urban tree canopy, creating greener, healthier places for us all to enjoy.
“Huge thanks to Fife Council, Fife Tree Wardens and all the community groups and volunteers who are helping to plant trees this season. I can’t wait to see them all blossom!”
Fife Climate Forest is a partnership project led by Fife Council, Climate Action Fife and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust. It’s a shared ambition to grow the number of trees, woods and forests in Fife.
The Sakura Cherry Tree Party is possible thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, delivered through Fife Council, and the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh. Thanks to the JET Alumni Association for support in securing Japanese artists and crafts people.
Sakura Cherry Tree planting ceremony with representative of Consultate General of Japan in Edinburgh
Haiku Moment with piper from Eats Rosyth. Haiku readings.Opening ‘Sakura Sakura’ Dance by Yoshie Campbell
– Refreshments including celebratory cake
– Sashito Japanese stitching drop-in
– Sashito sustainable textile workshop (Dianne Spottiswood Miller) SOLD OUT
– Origami – come and make a star for your Christmas tree
– Furoshiki present-wrapping demonstration from Fife Climate Hub
– Japanese traditional dancing – including Bon Odori which is like a Japanese ceilidh dance
– Bonsai Trees
– Japanese Dress up area
– Nature/tree haiku writing and sharing
– Recycled instruments/music
– Fife Climate Forest photograph competition prize giving
– Climate Action Fife partner activities
[This is the latest programme, which is subject to change].