Photos by Linny Folau.

Visiting Japanese drumming group Wadaiko Rindo from Melbourne performed fantastic numbers at an international multi-cultural evening for the Heilala Festival, last night, Thursday 30 June at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

The group included leader Toshinori Sakamoto with Daisuke Kawamoto and Yukiko Shoya.

During the night performances featured singing and items from various countries including Japan, France, Fiji, Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

French songs were performed by the French Alumni Association that included Tonga High School students.

The Fijian and Indo-Fijian community presented songs, followed by a Siva dance by Tilila ‘Asi and her daughter from the Samoan community.  The night was rounded up with traditional songs from the Gunai Mirrors Group visiting from Papua New Guinea.

Hon Lupepau’u Tuita-Taione, Hon Fanetupouvava’u Tu’ivakano, the Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva and Minister of Tourism Hon Semisi Sika were in the audience

The festival continues in Nuku’alofa until 9 July.