Photos by Lisa Molloy

Hundreds of students performed colourful dances during an Education Day in Neiafu, Vava'u on Tuesday, July 1 to celebrate King Tupou VI's upcoming birthday on Friday, July 4.

King Tupou VI attended the event with Queen Nanasipau‘u.

Vava‘u schools, including 21 primary schools and six secondary schools came together at Fangatongo Grounds and performed various traditional Tongan dances for the King and Queen.

Dances included a ma’ulu’ulu, a group tau’olunga dance and a kailao, while primary school students held a combined red and white flag and dance.

The birthday celebration continues on Thursday July 3 with a float parade by the Ministry of Commerce, Tourism and Labour, among other activities.

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

The celebration ends on Sunday, July 6 with a Thanksgiving Service at the Laumalie Ma’oni’oni Church and a combined chorus festival by churches.

At the same time, the Miss Vava’u Pageant is currently being held as a part of the inaugural Tu'i Vava'u Festival.