A Tongan delegation including cultural dancers and artists will showcase Tonga at the 12^th Festival of Pacific Arts to be held in Guam from May 22 to June 4.

The group of around 60 members includes cultural dancers, carvers and artists, with the Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Fe’ao Vakata expected to lead the delegation.

The dancers were selected from dance groups from various districts while Tongan carver Sitiveni Fehoko and other local artists will showcase Tonga's carving and handicrafts.

Dancers will perform Tongan tau'olunga solo dance, group tau'olunga dance, ma'ulu'ulu, mako, and the Tongan masterpiece - the lakalaka.

Some of the group are expected to depart tonight, 19 May and a second group will leave on Saturday 21 May, confirmed the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Festival of Pacific Arts has been held every four-years since it began in 1972, bringing together artists and cultural performers from around the Pacific region, for two-weeks of colourful festivity.