Come and join the Conservation Volunteers and Liverpool Astronomical Society to celebrate Tanabata, or the Star Festival, it is held on the evening of 7 July throughout Japan. The festival traces its origins to a romantic legend that the Cowherd Star (Altair) and Weaver Star (Vega), lovers separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet just once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month.

People, especially children, write their wishes such as “I want to become good at football” or “I want to become an astronaut” on narrow strips of colored paper called tanzaku and hang them, along with other paper ornaments, on bamboo branches placed in the backyards or entrances of their homes.

They then pray hard in the hope that their wishes will come true. Towns and cities take on a festive mood during the Tanabata season, with colorful decorations. Special events and concerts based on the Tanabata legend are held at places like science museums and planetariums.

At the Liverpool Garden Festival there will be workshops so people can have a go at Origami, Calligraphy, making paper decorations and will be able to attach their tanzaku on the bamboo on site. The Liverpool Astronomical Society will be showing (weather permitting) our nearest star through special telescopes.

There will be refreshments on site. The main Tanabata event will be taking place on Saturday 12th July between 10am – 3pm.

Contacts:
The Festival Garden
Caroline Bamford
Festival Gardens Ranger
07795 800 970

The Conservation Volunteers
Festival Gardens
Riverside Drive
Liverpool
L17 7BF

Liverpool A. S.
Brendan Martin
0151-489-0270