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Lomond & Clyde Springfest

A cherry blossom festival in Scotland? Well, why not!

By , About.com Guide

Lomond & Clyde SpringfestPicture Courtesy of Lomond & Clyde Springfest
  • What: A little bit of everything to celebrate spring
  • When: April 28 to May 4
  • Where: Helensburgh, Scotland and nearby
  • Admission: Various tickets, mostly free daytime events
  • Website
Helensburgh, a pretty seaside town on the Firth of Clyde, roughly opposite Glasgow, enjoys a burst of cherry blossoms toward the end of April. What better excuse for a celebration?

And this one has a little bit of everything, even - in honor of the cherry blossoms - a touch of Japanese culture. There are short guided garden and heritage walks in the town, longer ones out in the countryside. Here's a selection of what else is happening during a week packed with events:

  • Free concerts, theatre and performance in the center of town every afternoon
  • Art and photographic exhibitions and workshops
  • Puppet shows
  • Crazy bikes
  • Farmers Market
  • Food tastings
  • Crafts with the Scottish Japanese Residents Association
  • Japanese tea ceremonies
  • Japanese-style face painting
  • Flower arranging and bonsai
  • An Artists Work Trail
  • Evening concerts and performances.
Guess how many of the 88 Colquhoun Street cherry trees will be in bloom on April 28 and you can win a prize.

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