Six-days of birthday celebrations for HM King Tupou VI start today Tuesday July 1 in Neiafu, Vava’u.

The busy week starts with an Education Day hosted by High Schools and Primary Schools in Vava‘u. This will be followed by Youth Groups and Tongan Kava Clubs singing competitions on Wednesday, July 2.

A float parade held by the Ministry of Commerce, Tourism and Labour will be held on Thursday, July 3.

On Friday, July 4 King Tupou VI will mark his 55th birthday with a Military Parade at Fangatongo grounds, a Royal Birthday Service at Pouono and a Royal Luncheon at Vava'u High School.

A Royal Reception hosted by the Governor of Vava’u Lord Fulivai will be held on the evening of Saturday July 5, at the Tongan Beach Resort. Activities planned for the day include a walk for health, aerobics and netball competitions.

The program released by the Governor's Office in Vava'u stated that the birthday celebration ends on Sunday, July 6 with a Thanksgiving Service at the Laumalie Ma'oni'oni Church and a combined chorus festival by churches.

The Free Wesleyan Church Annual Conference, which began last week, concludes in Neiafu tonight.

Meanwhile, in Nuku’alofa the Heilala Festival held annually to coincide with the king's birthday is expected to start this week with activities scheduled from July 3-12.