Tonga sets the Diamond Jubilee Celebration on fire [1]
Monday, June 4, 2012 - 06:15. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Tonga will light the first bonfire to signal the beginning of the lighting of more than 4,500 bonfires that will be lit right across the world, all the way to Britain, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Celebration tonight, June 4.
The beacon-lighting ceremony will be in a procession, and as the light fades in Tonga, another will appear in Australia, then China, Pakistan and Kenya and so on until it reaches Britain.
In Tonga the Diamond Jubilee Celebration Bonfire is organized by the Tonga Boy Scouts and the Girl Guides Association of the Kingdom of Tonga.
The Scout Master, 'Iteni Helu said that the Diamond Jubilee bonfire will be lit at 'Apifo'ou, Ma'ufanga.
The program will start with a flag raising ceremony at 9:25pm, to be followed by scripture reading, then on the dot at 10:00 pm two Boy Scouts and two Girl Guides will light the bonfire.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Frederica Tuita will declare the beginning of the celebration.
The beacon-lighting ceremony will be closed with a prayer by Fr Sione Uluilakepa before Hon Frederica Tuita departs at 11:00pm.
The public are asked to be seated by 9:00 pm.