AN Evesham shopping centre has joined the the likes of Regents Park and Windsor Castle, receiving two trees from Japan.
The Valley, was gifted two cherry blossom trees by the Japanese Embassy as part of a UK wide initiative to foster better relations better the two countries.
The initiative is called the Sakura Cherry Tree Project and aims to plant 10,000 cherry trees throughout the country.
Along with the tree presentation, the centre hosted origami workshops throughout the weekend for visitors of all ages and the event also showcased a performance by Stagecoach Performing Arts Evesham which performed a Japanese-inspired dance.
Phil Maclean, director of The Valley Evesham, said: "The Sakura Cherry Tree Project is a beautiful symbol of the growing connection between Japan and the United Kingdom.
"We are thrilled to be part of this UK-wide initiative and are excited to nurture these stunning cherry trees, which will add beauty to our landscape and deepen our community's cultural ties with Japan”.
So far over 7,500 trees have been planted across the UK, with the closest two being in Eckington.
Mid Worcestershire MP, Nigel Huddleston and Minister Yasuyuki Okazaki from the Japanese Embassy both attended the event.
Mr McClean continued: "It all started last year when we were doing blossom riverboat cruises and I though who does blossoms better than the Japanese?
"So I sent a random e-mail to the Japanese embassy in London which resulted in the ambassador coming down, and that started our relationship.
"Upon hearing that we were going to be given the trees, we were so excited and thought that we should make a splash about it.
"Along with the trees, the origami and the performance, we also painted a visual of the project logo in the field which looks really cool.
The director said that the event was really nice considering the upcoming visit of Japanese Emperor Naruhito to the UK and that the venue is a great home for the trees considering the many prestigious sites they currently call home.
Mr McClean said: "We are going to receive another 24 in November and create a Japanese garden on the country park side and people will be able to enjoy them next spring when they blossom."
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