Photos by Linny Folau.

Celebrations began today in Nuku’alofa to mark Tupou College’s 150th Anniversary, with cultural dancing by schools as the first of many events for the Sesquicentennial to run from June 17-24.

The Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga's Education System hosted a special prayer service, cultural dancing and brass band items to commemorate Tupou College's anniversary, at the Queen Salote College Hall.

Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala (an ex-student of Tupou College) and Crown Princess Sinaitakala watched beautiful dancing by students from the church's various primary, middle and secondary schools from throughout Tongatapu, Vava’u and Ha’apai.

Students from Queen Salote College, Tupou High School, Tupou College, FWC middle schools, Maamaloa Side School and high schools from the outer islands, including Mailefihi/Siu’ilukutapu and Taufa'ahau/Pilolevu College performed dances, including the ma’ulu’ulu, tau’olunga, lakalaka and mako, and some brass band items.

The week long celebration continues in Tongatapu.