Fifty eight days to go before the coronation celebration of HM King Tupou VI begin on 27 June, the capital Nuku'alofa is already in a celebration mood. A billboard for the King and Queen put up by Friends Cafe in the centre of Nuku'alofa is the latest reminder of the coronation countdown.

The official eight-day Coronation program begins on Saturday, 27 June with the king's investiture as the 24th Tu‘i Kanokupolu at a Royal Kava ceremony, the Taumafa Kava, at Mala‘e Pangai Lahi. The program ends on 7 July with a Military Tattoo.

Between June 27 and July 7 the program includes the Coronation service, military parades, cultural performances and feasting.

Lt Col Ve’ehala from His Majesty's Armed Forces (HMAF) confirmed today that visiting military bands will include a New Zealand Army Band, an Australian Royal Military College Band, and the United States Marine Corps Band. Together with brass bands from some of Tongatapu's Secondary Schools they will join His Majesty's Armed Forces Band in the Military Tattoo performance.

The King's Coronation Service will be held at the Centenary Church, 10:00am on Saturday 4 July.

Details, including a list of visiting dignitaries which is expected to include some members of foreign royal families, and a guest list have not been released.