The biggest music festival in the region, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, is all set for a star-studded return this year, and Indian performer Nora Fatehi is also going to be a co-headliner for the 2-day-long festival, which is scheduled to be held on November 14 and 15 at JN Stadium Polo Ground.
The international R&B pop artist Jason Derulo and the Irish rock band ‘The Script’ will co-headline for this edition of the festival, according to Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, who informed on Tuesday. Last year’s edition of the festival generated significant returns against a government investment of ₹5 crore, and this year’s tentative budget is ₹4 crore.
One of India’s premier cultural events, the festival draws over 30,000 daily visitors to Shillong during the blooming season. The festival combines international music acts with local culture against the scenic backdrop of Meghalaya’s famous cherry blossoms, with support from the state tourism department.
Festival organisers revealed that gallery seating has already sold out following the announcement, with remaining tickets moving at record speed through RockskiTickets.com. Beyond music, the festival is a cultural extravaganza, offering fashion shows, art exhibitions, cultural performances, food stalls, and more. It serves as a platform for artistic and cultural exchange, showcasing both local and international talent.
In 2024, the Cherry Blossom Festival expanded globally, hosting its first international edition in Thailand with performances by Lucas, Violette Wautier, Atlas, and Jimmy Brown. The festival’s excellence has also been recognized at WOW Awards Asia 2022, winning “Concert of the Year” and “Festival of the Year.”
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is being hosted in collaboration with the Meghalaya Government to promote tourism in the region. Launched in 2016, the festival has grown in scale and recognition over the years, attracting global artists like Akon, Ne-Yo, and Ronan Keating to its main stage. In addition to live concerts, the Cherry Blossom Festival features fashion shows, art exhibitions, and cultural performances, offering a vibrant showcase of Shillong and Meghalaya’s creative spirit.
