Celebrate the Tanabata ‘Star Festival’ at the Roku Gin Summer Terrace at Pantechnicon with free yo-yo balloon fishing, kimono dressing for the kids and tanzaku wish writing. Plus, Japanese street food and kakigori shaved ice-cocktails (non-alcoholic kakigori also available!).

Each year, the Japanese celebrate the meeting of two stars said to be love-struck deities kept apart by the Milky Way for all but one day of the year. The Tanabata or ‘Star Festival’ is marked by the writing of wishes that are hung on bamboo, classic games, and the dressing in traditional yukata, a summer kimono.

And that’s how it will be celebrated at the Pantechnicon summer terrace on Sunday 7 August. There will be: the classic Japanese festival game of yo-yo balloon fishing (ヨーヨーつり); tanzaku coloured paper to write your wishes, with bamboo to hang them on; and Japanese kimono experts Takayo dressing younger visitors in yukata kimonos for pictures.

Plus, it’ll all be going on at the beautiful sun-soaked summer pop up set inside the chilled out Halkin Arcade square behind Pantechnicon. Where you’ll find Japanese-inspired kakigori shaved-ice cocktails, takoyaki street food (including a veganyaki and a yuzuyaki dessert option!), as well as treats for the kids.

Entry is free (food and drink extra) and there’s no need to book. See the Pantechnicon website for further details and if you’d like to register you’ll be coming. https://www.pantechnicon.com/experience

from 30 June – 11 September 2022 serving kakigori shaved ice cocktails and takoyaki.

*The date of Tanabata varies by region in Japan, the biggest celebration is in Sendai from 6-8 August each year.

Free entry (food and drink extra)