8 April 2015

Simon Harris TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today (8 April 2015) announced that Experience Japan Hanami Festival Day will take place at Farmleigh on Sunday 12 April.

Speaking ahead of the Festival, The Minister said: "I am delighted to announce that my office, the OPW, will once again host Experience Japan Hanami Festival at Farmleigh. On Sunday 12 April, we will be able to experience and enjoy a taste of Japanese culture. My office continues to work closely with the Experience Japan team, the Embassy of Japan and Dublin City Council".

Hanami (Cherry Blossom) Festival is an annual event in Japan where family and friends come together to welcome spring and celebrate nature.

Minister Harris added: "The iconic surroundings of Farmleigh provide a wonderful backdrop for what has become an annual event. I urge members of Dublin's Japanese community and visitors to Farmleigh to join in the festivities on Sunday next".

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For further information please contact Colette Davis, OPW Press Officer – mobile 087 947 5552 or email colette.davis@opw.ie

Notes to Editors:

Photographs are available from www.fennell-photography.ie

Experience Japan Hanami Festival Day - Sunday 12 April - 12 noon to 4 pmFarmleigh House & Estate, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.

Activities on the day will include:Taiko drum performanceMartial Arts demonstrationsMusic and Dance with a fusion of Japanese and Irish performancesOrigami and children’s craft workshopsYo-Yo fishing and other fun activities for childrenCosplay fashions framed with traditional Kimono displaysSoran Bushi dancingInformation desks on Japanese Cooking, textile dyeing and growing Bonsai TreeJapanese FoodstallsSeminars on "Shintoism in Japanese Culture" and "Tramore's New Lafcadio Hearn Garden"

Further details: www.experiencejapan.ie