June events lead up to King’s 60th birthday celebration [1]
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 - 16:20. Updated on Thursday, May 30, 2019 - 17:56.
Tonga in June starts its busy season of events, with church conferences, national shows and the annual Heilala festival leading up to the marking of King Tupou VI 60th Birthday celebrations on July 4 in Nuku’alofa.
A tentative program from the Ministry of Tourism's calendar, has the first event on June 25, a ukulele and basket making competition at the Tonga National Centre.
The annual Miss Heilala pageant June 26 to July 5, is a highlight of the Heilala Festival.
Orientation for contestants will be held on June 26 and the crowning of a new Miss Heilala on July 5, at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.
There will also be Heilala events running alongside the pageant, including a Block Party in the CBD, a Choral Evening, Tongan singing and floorshow competitions.
The national 2019 Royal Agriculture, Fisheries, Trade and Tourism Shows begin in Tongatapu on June 22 before moving to the outer islands in July-August.
The Free Wesleyan Church Conference is expected to have their annual gathering in Nuku'alofa from June 25 to July 1.
The King marks his 60th birthday on Thursday, July 4 and will inspect a Military Parade, among other events to be confirmed.