Some are ‘still looking forward’ to next Cherry Blossom Festival!
While a for-and-against debate raged in the state, the unfazed Cherry Blossom Festival gave concert-goers the “best time” of their lives. Amid the loud criticism, a different stream of voices — largely from concert-goers — is offering a far more upbeat account of the event. For many attendees, the festival delivered the very experiences they came for: live music, festive energy, and memorable nights out with friends.
On Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), festival-goers shared reels, photos, and glowing captions about their time at the concerts. Several young attendees said the performances were “the biggest highlight”, with many praising the production quality and artist line-up.
One user wrote, “Whatever people say, I had the best time dancing with my friends. The lights, the vibe, the music — it felt like Shillong finally had a proper festival moment again.” Another concert-goer posted a clip from the evening show, saying the atmosphere was “electric”, adding, “This is exactly why we look forward to Cherry Blossom every year.”
Moreover, the festival served as a reunion ground for some. A college student commented that the event brought many of her friends back home for the weekend. “We don’t get to meet often, and Cherry Blossom is the one time we all get together. It gave us memories we’re going to keep for a long time,” the comment read
Others appreciated the cultural and lifestyle aspects surrounding the concerts — food stalls, local entrepreneurs, and the colourful ambience. A visitor from Guwahati mentioned that the festival “felt welcoming” and praised the crowd management inside the venue. “The concerts were the best part,” he added, “and the energy was worth the trip.”
Despite complaints from residents about noise and traffic outside the venue, several concert attendees insisted that inside the grounds, the mood was “safe, relaxed and enjoyable”. A group of first-time visitors described the festival as “Shillong at its happiest”, with one saying, “We heard all the negativity online, but honestly, our experience was amazing.”
These positive reactions indicate that while public frustration over traffic and noise remains strong in certain quarters, the Cherry Blossom Festival continues to hold significant appeal for young music lovers and casual visitors. For many of them, the festival is less a civic inconvenience and more a rare opportunity to unwind, celebrate, and create shared memories — the very reasons they hope it continues.
