Later this month, Birmingham’s annual Cherry Blossom Day returns to Brindleyplace.

Happening across Central Square and Oozells Square on Sun 23 Mar, there’ll be a programme of fun, family-friendly activities along with a nature-inspired set concert against the backdrop of Brindley’s beautiful blossoms.

Highlights from the day include a cherry blossom trail, designed in collaboration with event partners The National Trust. As part of the trail, which starts from Central Square, kids will have the opportunity to make Mother’s Day gifts inspired by the blossoms.

Hedgehog rescuing charity, Array4Hogs, will also be in Central Square, letting people know about the stellar work they do rescuing endangered and injured hedgehogs.

Ikon Gallery will be hosting an art picnic, complete with a range of free art activities for the whole family to enjoy, inspired by the Japanese ‘hanami’ theme. Visitors will be invited to create their own cherry blossom ‘sakura’ print to take home, or to grab a brush and easel and paint a seasonal masterpiece of Ikon Gallery amongst the cherry blossoms in a session led by artist Bag Lord.

New for this year, the Cherry Blossom Market will feature a handful of curated traders, including Grumpy Daruma, who produces Japanese prints inspired by matchbox art, Japan Crafts, who specialise in Japanese fabric and embroidery supplies and Retro Kimono, who’ll be showcasing Japanese dolls and vintage clothing. Also joining the market will be caricature artist Chibi portraits and Koshuku Sake.

Drawing the day to a spectacular close, the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group will deliver a live performance inspired by nature. The music for this special event will follow the life cycle of a tree – from using living trees and plants as instruments to utilising the refined sound of the violin.

You can find more information, including the full day’s programme, here.