Photos by Linny Folau, Pesi Fonua, Mary Lyn Fonua, and Peter Poulsen

Visitors to Tonga's Coronation celebrations this week were treated to traditional entertainment at Pangai lahi this afternoon. The afternoon began with a seaside luncheon hosted by nobles and attended by the Royal Family, the sun came out for the dancing and the day ended with a rainbow.

Eight beautiful traditional dances were performed by students for HM King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u.

The opening performance was a stunning ma'ulu'ulu by almost 1000 girls from Queen Sālote College, to the beat of the 'Ta nafa', drummers

This was followed by a Me’etu’upaki performed by combined students from Tupou College and Tonga College, a lakalaka ‘(Ikale) by Government Primary School students from Kolomotu’a, Hofoa, Puke, Hala’ovave and Longolongo.

Lavengamalie College performed an ‘Otuhaka while the combined Government Primary Schools of Fua’amotu, Ha’asini and Tu’aliku ‘o Pilolevu performed the Ma’ulu’ulu (tafi).

Other performances included a Fa’ahiula by St Andrews High School, Lakalaka (Laione) by Tonga High School and ended with a Sōke by ‘Apifo’ou College.

The Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho, Princess Pilolevu Tuita and other members of the Royal Family attended. Overseas guests included Lord Simon Glenarthur, the Maori King Te Ariki Niu Tuheita Paki and wife Ariki Atawhai among others.

The Coronation ceremony and service will be held on Saturday, 4 July at the Centenary Church.