Every spring the people of Japan celebrate Hanami, better known to English speakers as cherry blossom season.
Parks and gardens across the nation erupt into a riot of pink, with locals coming out to celebrate the 'transient beauty of flowers', while tourists visit the Land of the Rising Sun from all around the world to marvel at their splendour. But what exactly does that have to do with the North East of England?
The National Trust are hoping that its annual #BlossomWatch campaign, which is now in its second year, can become an annual cultural event similar to Hanami, and the North East is a big part of the plans. This year's campaign involves two North East locations, as well as digital sharing of images as blossom sweeps up the land and events and installations at National Trust places.
