Nuku'alofa will see ongoing festivities with the annual Heilala Festival to start this week showcasing various events, including a Miss Heilala Pageant under a theme, Beautiful Tonga.

A 'Tonga’s Got Talent' event will be held on Tuesday night 28 June, at Digicel Square.

Cultural events will follow on June 29-30, including traditional Tau’olunga competitions by various age groups and a multi-cultural night of singing competition, cultural dances and a Japanese drummers performance at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

A Block Party in downtown Nuku’alofa will be held on Friday, 1 July.

On Sunday, 3 July a church and youth choir singing event will be held.

The Miss Heilala Pageant competition, a highlight of the festival, will start on Monday July 4, with the Pre-Pageant Interview at Davina House.

July 4 is the King's birthday, a public holiday in Tonga and separate events are expected to be held to mark his day.

The pageant will hold other judging events from July 5-8 when the new Miss Heilala is crowned, with the festival to end on Saturday, 9 July with the Miss Heilala  community parade.

It is understood that six Miss Heilala contestants have indicated participation this week, with confirmation later in the week.