Heilala Festival set for July 16-28 [1]
Friday, April 13, 2012 - 06:42. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
The 2012 Heilala Festival will run for 12 days from July 16-28, and, according Tonga's Ministry of Tourism, will be shorter than usual because of the death of HM King George Tupou V.
During the past five years the annual festival was held to coincide with the late king's official birthday on August 1, which marked his coronation day in 2008. The festival used to start in mid-July and end on August 1 with a float parade in central Nuku'alofa. There was also a King's Birthday military parade at Pangai Lahi.
It is understood that there are new plans for next year whenthe Heilala Festival will coincide with King Tupou VI's birthday celebration on July 12.
This year's festival programme has yet to be finalised, but the highlight will be the crowning of the 2012-13 Miss Heilala.