Busy week for Heilala and King’s birthday [1]
Monday, July 1, 2019 - 17:20. Updated on Monday, July 1, 2019 - 21:34.
This week is packed with day and night events as the 2019 Heilala Festival and the 60th birthday celebrations for King Tupou VI runs from July 1-7 in Nuku’alofa. Programs were held today despite the heavy rain.
The Miss Heilala Pageant Formal Interview was held this morning with a Fe’auhi Hiva Kakala set down for the evening, at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.
Dr Geoffrey Cummins will also hold a lecture titled 'Tubou I: Making a Nation' at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre tonight.
On July 2, is a National Body Building Championships Elite at Tanoa Hotel, an Education Day at Teufaiva Stadium, with the Miss Heilala Tau'olunga competition in the evening, at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.
On July 3, is the the Miss Helala judging events on the Island Creation and Sarong wear.
The Maori King's Waka rowing at Vuna Wharf will also be scheduled for Wednesday. They 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 of the same day, the King is expected to 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 July 4, the King's Birthday, starts 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.
This will include traditional dancing, with 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 next to the Royal Palace.
On July 5, is the Miss Heilala Grand Ball and crowning at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.
A Chinese performance from Dongguan visitors will perform at the Fa’onelua Centre.
The celebrations conclude on Sunday, July 7 with a church service at the Centenary Church, a Royal Luncheon at the Royal Palace followed by a One Tonga Choral Night.
All programs are still on as of today but may be subject to change due to the bad weather expected in the capital.