Tanabata, or the Star Festival, is typically held on the evening of 7 July throughout Japan, but the festival can be celebrated from June through to August. 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 coloured paper called tanzaku and hang them, along with other paper ornaments, on bamboo branches.

They then pray that their wishes will come true. Towns and cities take on a festive mood during Tanabata, with colourful decorations.

This year, once again, next to Tatton Park’s Japanese garden, there will be an opportunity for everyone to write their own wishes and hang them on bamboo branches. There will also be origami and making paper streamers for all to join in and writing names in Japanese. In addition there will be Japanese story telling with pictures, called Kamishibai.

Price:
Normal Garden admission applies - Adult £7, Child £5, Family £19
National Trust and RHS members receive free entry only on production of a valid card.
£7 vehicle park entry applies to all.