Photos by Linny Folau

Thousands of Tongatapu secondary and primary students performed their traditional dances for HM Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho at Mala’e Pangai Lahi today, Thursday, 11 June.

The special rehearsal is in preparation for the celebration of HM King Tupou VI's Coronation, in a programme of events that runs from Saturday, 27 June until 7 July.

Six secondary schools Tonga High School, Queen Salote College, Tonga College, Tupou College, Lavengamalie College and ‘Apifo’ou College with two primary schools joined today's rehearsal.

The dances included the Ma’ulu’ulu, Lakalaka, Me’etu’upaki, Sōke and Tafi. The final rehearsal is expected to be held on Tuesday, 16 June at Mala’e Pangai Lahi.

These big Tongan traditional dances will be performed for King Tupou VI on Education Day on Wednesday 1 July at 10:00am at the Teufaiva Stadium. There will also be traditional entertainment by selected schools on Thursday 2 July, at the Mala’e Pangai Lahi after a Welcome Luncheon for guests to the Coronation.

The official eight-day Coronation program begins with the King’s investiture as the 24th Tu‘i Kanokupolu at a Royal Kava ceremony, the Taumafa Kava, at the Mala‘e Pangai Lahi on 27 June.

The Coronation service and ceremony will be held on Saturday, 4 July at the Centenary Church. Between 27 June and 7 July the program also includes military parade, cultural performances and feasting.

The program ends with a Military Tattoo on 7 July.