Save the Date 20th March - Spring’s throwing a party. Confetti and all. And you’re invited…
Spring Equinox lands on the 20th March and coincides with the arrival of blossom season which is celebrated across many cultures worldwide, from the Japanese hanami to communities across the UK – it marks the coming of spring and longer daylight hours. More sunlight and spring blooms is definitely a reason to celebrate and on the 20th March you can join the National Trust in a blossom filled Oozells Square, Brindleyplace as it welcomes spring equinox with free wellbeing activities and a selection of cultural equinox celebrations from local Birmingham communities.
What’s going on?
Thursday 20th March. From 10am – 4pm
The National Trust invites you outside to relax under the blossom anytime from 10am on the 20th March. Come outside and bathe under the blossom for a boosting 5-minute wellness break, or take your coffee under the trees? We will have comfy picnic blankets and deck chairs at the ready for your al fresco lunch with colleagues under the foliage. There will be free National Trust giveaways – including picnic kits, blossom t-shirts, 250 free passes and a free souvenir blossom photo memento with your friends and colleagues.
You can book a short, guided mindfulness’ walk with local artist and walk leader Jen Dixon at 11am, 2pm and 3pm – A short, guided walk listening for natural sounds – the chirp of birds, the lapping of canal water, footsteps, or wind in the blossom trees. You can book your place now by emailing amber.merrickpotter@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Lunchtime blossom performances
Join the Blossom Queens for the Blessing of the Blossoms at 12pm or 1pm, a performance to inspire small moments of connection and intimacy in public space.
Wan Sheung Dance Group, known for their graceful performances, will capture the spirit of the cherry blossom through an elegant fusion of traditional Chinese dance and storytelling. The cherry blossom, deeply rooted in Chinese symbolism, represents beauty, renewal, and love.
The final performance will be Drowning of Winter (also known as “Morana” or “Marzanna”) performed by Czech & Slovak Club UK CIC. This musical Slavic traditional includes performing with a straw effigy of winter, which is usually drowned or burned to usher in spring and ensure a good harvest.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s events, Matt Long, Senior Asset Manager, said:
“We greatly value the relationship we have built with the National Trust and are absolutely thrilled that they have chosen Brindleyplace as the location to launch this year’s blossom campaign. It is testament to the wonderful outdoor spaces we have on the estate and the power of partnership working.
“The event is an opportunity for our tenants to get outside on their breaks and take advantage of the activities and giveaways on offer. The weather forecast looks favourable and we look forward to welcoming the National Trust on Thursday.”
The blossom fun will continue on March 23rd when Brindleyplace hosts the annual Cherry Blossoms Day in collaboration with the National Trust and other local partners. From 12pm until 3pm families can take part in a host of free activities in Oozells Square and Central Square, which includes a cherry blossom ‘trail’ and blossom inspired crafts. At 3pm the activities will stop as Birmingham Contemporary Music Group performs their 4th Cherry Blossom Concert under the iconic blossom trees.
