Drummers, martial arts and tea ceremonies are set to make a feast for the senses as a Dubbo attraction celebrates a milestone.
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For 15 years the Shoyoen Japanese Garden has drawn locals and visitors alike to its tranquil slopes.
On Saturday the oasis will be the scene of celebration for its anniversary.
The event is being presented by Dubbo Regional Council, in conjunction with the DREAM Festival ‘Sushi in the Shoyoen Garden’ and the Friends of the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden.
Starting from 3pm there will be live music and family entertainment.
Local Kaisin Taekwondo will give martial arts demonstration.
The Taiko no wa drummers will return to Shoyoen to give two performances.
There will be a Shakuhachi - Japanese flute - performance.
Shoyoen, a gift from Minokamo, has fostered ties between the two sister cities.
On Saturday there will be a presentation to a Japanese gardener who for 10 years has taught the local people techniques and offered his expertise and guidance.
Dubbo Regional Council community and recreation division project officer Ben Pilon said because of the 15th anniversary they had approached the DREAM Festival to collaborate on an event.
Mr Pilon said Shoyoen was a popular place and signified the friendship between the two cities.
“I think the garden is one of the most authentic outside Sydney,” he said.
“I think it’s fantastic we have it.
“It’s a great asset Dubbo has,” he said.
There will be four demonstrations of a tea ceremony and tea sampling conducted by the Urensenke masters between 3pm and 7.30pm.
Children attending will be able to make Japanese koi kites and Kabuki dragon masks and do writing in Kanji.
A jazz band and live acoustic performance will strike up in the evening and there will be a lantern casting on the lake.
DREAM Festival committee chairwoman Anne Field was pleased to be able to work with the council to stage the celebration.
“It should be a pretty spectacular event,” she said.
Admission to the event is free and a gold coin donation would be appreciated.
Sushi must be pre-purchased at www.123tix.com.au and will be served between 6pm and 7pm.
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
