Tanabata Festival

According to legend, the Japanese deities Orihime and Hikoboshi are lovers separated by the Milky Way, whose stars may only meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Tanabata is the celebration of this most romantic of get-togethers, and traditions include writing wishes on coloured paper and hanging them on bamboo before praying that they will come true. These celebrations at Minka House – a traditional Japanese farmhouse in Kew's bamboo garden – will feature storytelling by A Thousand Cranes Children's Theatre Company (noon, 1.30pm and 3pm), origami workshops and calligraphy demonstrations. The event is free with admission to Kew Gardens and is suitable for all ages.