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On June 21, 2025, during World Music Day, the Government of Meghalaya announced the eagerly awaited Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025, featuring international stars Jason Derulo and The Script. Alongside this, the state revealed a groundbreaking vision for a sustainable “Concert Economy” that aims to transform Meghalaya’s cultural scene and economy.
Scheduled for November 14 and 15, 2025, the festival will turn Shillong into a lively hub of music and festivities, stretching from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Ward’s Lake. The event promises concerts, pop-up activities, and interactive experiences. Day one will see global pop and R&B artist Jason Derulo and Irish rock band The Script headline the event. With a combined sales of over 220 million records, their performances are expected to be highlights of India’s music calendar.
“Every concert is a celebration of who we are. We are not just hosting performances; we are building an economy of talent and identity that speaks to the world. We have seen how the concert economy is an aspect that has been worked on in Meghalaya, and how it was implemented here long before it was done in any other part of the country. We have now simply given it better structure and expanded it into much bigger programmes. We hope that, in the coming years, it will become even bigger,” said Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya.
“The two artists announced are just 50 per cent of the lineup, we’re working hard to lock in the rest, and hope to confirm more big names within the next month. For now, it will remain a surprise that will make this edition even more exciting,” he added.
This festival is part of Meghalaya’s broader vision to develop a thriving “Concert Economy” which, so far, has delivered impressive results—creating jobs, attracting tourists, and putting Meghalaya firmly on the global music map. The state’s approach has generated a nearly sixfold return on investments, with over 76,000 visitors attending just 13 days of events and hospitality revenues reaching nearly Rs 34 crore. The sector has created over 5,500 jobs daily, benefiting youth, women-led businesses, local artisans, and rural entrepreneurs. For every Rs 100 spent on tickets, an additional Rs 334 is spent on travel, food, and experiences, illustrating the wider economic impact.
Meghalaya’s innovative cultural efforts include hosting global stars like Bryan Adams, Ed Sheeran, Akon, and Alan Walker, and producing over 13,000 performances through the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project. The initiative has engaged thousands of local artists, garnered millions of social media views, and fostered international collaborations, such as Ed Sheeran’s spontaneous football match with Shillong’s youth. Festivals like Cherry Blossom and Me’Gong continue to draw attention nationally and internationally.
Looking ahead, Meghalaya aims to build a creative economy worth a trillion rupees, centred around cultural development. Future plans include year-round festivals across all districts, eco-friendly initiatives, tribal sourcing of food and drink, and reserving spaces for artisans and home-based businesses. Infrastructure upgrades are also underway at key sites, including Shillong’s Polo Grounds and Tura’s PA Sangma Stadium, along with new cultural centres. A new “Concert Impact Tracker” will monitor growth, job creation, and sustainability in real time.
From earning the title “Rock Capital of India” to setting a blueprint for creative economies worldwide, Meghalaya is successfully blending culture, commerce, and community into a vibrant, dynamic rhythm.
The evening also marked the launch of Season 3 of the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, featuring performances from top bands, a new MGMP logo, a festival recap video, awards ceremony, and a cultural booklet celebrating Meghalaya’s rich heritage. The night concluded with a captivating performance by singer-songwriter Anuv Jain, who said Shillong is one of the best places he has performed in India.
