King Tupou VI will mark his 60th birthday on July 4, with various events during the week July 1-7, in a program announced at the Palace Office today.

The Maori King from New Zealand, overseas guests and bands from the Australian Army, Fiji Military and New Zealand Navy are expected to join the festivities.

The program coincides with the annual Heilala Festival activities making it a very busy week in the capital.

Dr Geoffrey Cummins will hold a lecture titled 'Making a Nation' at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre on Monday, July 1.

On Tuesday morning July 2 there will be a schools' education day at Teufaiva Stadium. On Tuesday evening there will be a traditional Tupakapakanava torch lightning on the foreshore and around the Royal Palace.

On July 3 the Maori King's Waka rowing at Vuna Wharf, will be accompanied by one of His Majesty's Armed Forces patrol boats, as well as canoes from the Nuku'alofa Outrigger Canoe Club. 

In the afternoon, the King will hold an audience with overseas guests and diplomats at the Royal Palace, followed by a reception hosted by the Crown Prince at the Masefield Base, Touliki. 

On Thursday July 4, the King's birthday will start with a Birthday Service at the Centenary Church before a Military Parade at Mala'e Pangai and a Birthday Luncheon at the Royal Palace in the afternoon.

Traditional dancing to be performed includes the Me’etu’upaki from Lapaha, Lakalaka ‘a e Fola’osi from Kanokupolu, Kailao from Houma, Soke from Ma’ufanga and Lakalaka 'a e Nusi from Kolonga as well as a Maori performance the Kapahaka, at Mala'e Pangai.

On Friday, July 5 is a Chinese performance from Dongguan visitors at the Fa’onelua Centre followed by a Variety Performance by youths at Havelu. 

The celebration concludes on Sunday, July 7 with a church service at the Centenary Church and a Royal Luncheon at the Royal Palace.

In the evening there will be the renowned ‘One Tonga Choral Night of Praise’ featuring choirs from all denominations, presented at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

The announcement of the program was made by Pasimata Taunisila with Sione Fifita, Private Secretary, and Lord Ve'ehala present.