With the annual Heilala Festival starting this week in Nuku’alofa, $10,000 pa’anga was handed over to the Deputy Prime Minister Hon Semisi Sika on June 25.

Platinum sponsors Digicel Tonga and Bank of South Pacific each donated $5,000 pa'anga for the Heilala Festival.

The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the sponsors for their generous support that will be used to assist in the cash prizes for competitions, including the Miss Heilala Pageant and other festival works.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Tourism has an allocated budget of around $10,000 pa'anga for the festival but support from sponsors is still needed.

This year's pageant, a highlight of the festival is expected to attract around 25 contestants, the most any year had seen, said the Deputy PM.

The pageant starts with an orientation program on June 26 at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre, where contestants, including those from abroad will be confirmed while registration is still open.

Meanwhile, the Heilala Festival starts this evening with Tonga’s Got Talent at the Central Business District. Other events will follow, with the festival ending on July 7.

This year is also attracting more events as it coincides with the 60^th birthday celebration for King Tupou VI.

All the Heilala program events are free to the public.