Vava'u FWC perform Lakalaka at Wesleyan bicentenary celebrations

Free Wesleyan Church (FWC) of Vava'u, perform a traditional Lakalaka during the FWC bicentennial celebrations. Nuku'alofa. 27 June 2026. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

By Everest Hala

Members of the Free Wesleyan Church from Vava'u performed a traditional Lakalaka, during celebrations marking 200 years of Methodist Christianity in Tonga, in Nuku'alofa on June 27.

Church members from congregations across Vava'u travelled to Tongatapu to attend the Annual General Conference of the Free Wesleyan Church and participate in the bicentenary celebrations of the introduction of Wesleyan christianity in Tonga.

Under cloudy skies, the Vava'u congregations presented traditional gifts including koloa, kava and corned beef as part of their contribution to the historic celebrations.

Offering of Koloa from the FWCs of Vavau. FWC bicentenary celebrations. Nuku'alofa. 27 June 2026. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

The Vava'u delegation provided the day's entertainment, performing the lakalaka before church leaders, members and visitors gathered for the commemorative events.

Free Wesleyan Church (FWC), Vava'u men perform a traditional Lakalaka during the church bicentennial celebrations. Nuku'alofa. 27 June 2026. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

The bicentennial has brought together Free Wesleyan Church members from across Tonga.

Queen Nanasipau'u and Crown Princess Sinaitakakala were the Guests of Honor at the celebrations, and were joined by other members of the Royal Family.

Offering of Kava and corned beefs from the FCS of Vava'u. FWC bicentenary celebrations. Nuku'alofa. 27 June 2026. Photo: Matangi Tonga.