Shillong: The Government of Meghalaya marked World Music Day by announcing the highly anticipated Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025. The festival, set to feature international music sensations Jason Derulo and The Script, is part of the state’s broader vision for a sustainable “Concert Economy” that is reshaping Meghalaya’s cultural and economic landscape.
Scheduled for November 14 and 15, the Cherry Blossom Festival will transform Shillong into a hub of celebration, spanning venues like Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Ward’s Lake.
Day one will spotlight performances by R&B star Jason Derulo and Ireland’s iconic rock band The Script, who collectively boast over 220 million record sales.
The festival promises to be one of India’s most significant music events, blending international acts with Meghalaya’s unique cultural charm.
“We are not just hosting concerts; we are building an economy of talent and identity that speaks to the world,” said Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma during the announcement.
Highlighting the festival’s growing scale, he added, “This year’s lineup is just the beginning. We are working on adding more major names, which will make this edition even more exciting.”
The Cherry Blossom Festival is part of Meghalaya’s ambitious push for a sustainable Concert Economy, which has already delivered significant returns.
In FY25, a public investment of Rs. 23.5 crore generated Rs. 133.42 crore in economic impact, achieving a 5.7x return on investment.
Over 76,000 visitors attended just 13 days of events, boosting hospitality revenues to Rs. 33.78 crore and creating over 5,500 daily jobs.
“Our goal is to align culture with economic growth,” Sangma said.
“For every Rs. 100 spent on tickets, an additional Rs. 334 is spent on travel, food, and local experiences, underscoring the broader impact of these events.”
From hosting global stars like Bryan Adams and Ed Sheeran to fostering local talent through the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), the state is establishing itself as a leader in creative economies.
To date, over 13,000 performances have been produced under MGMP, with more than 7,750 local artists registered.
Social media engagement has soared, with 22 million reel views and 60,000 organic posts showcasing Meghalaya’s vibrant cultural scene.
The government’s plans include expanding concerts to all districts, enforcing zero-waste policies, and creating opportunities for tribal and local entrepreneurs.
Infrastructure upgrades, such as the PA Sangma Stadium in Tura and Polo Grounds in Shillong, are also underway.
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Meghalaya envisions a trillion-rupee creative economy anchored in culture. New initiatives like the Concert Impact Tracker aim to measure real-time growth, job creation, and sustainability.
With its flagship festivals like Cherry Blossom and Me’Gong, Meghalaya is not only retaining its title as the “Rock Capital of India” but also setting a benchmark for cultural and economic integration in the region.
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is poised to elevate Meghalaya’s global cultural footprint, blending international artistry with local heritage in a celebration of music, community, and progress.
