The future date of Tonga's annual King's Birthday Heilala Festival remains uncertain, following the death of the late king, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.

Since the 1970s the Heilala Festival with the Miss Heilala Pageant had become part of the celebrations leading up to the the king's birthday on July 4. The festival grew over the years, as more and more activities were incorporated into the festival's program.

Unofficially, it has been said that July 4 will no longer be a public holiday in Tonga. The birthday King George Tupou V is May 4th, and even though it will be public holiday it is not yet know if the dates for the Heilala Festival will be moved to become part of his birthday celebration.

When King George Tupou V was the Crown Prince Tupouto'a his brithday, May 4, a public holiday, was celebrated in Vava'u with a week of festivities, known as the Vava'u Festival.

Both the future of the Heilala and the Vava'u Festivals are uncertain. The new Crown Prince, Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka's birthday is on July 12, and it will become a public holiday.

The Lord Chamberlain Hon Fielakepa said today, that at present nothing had been confirmed. Usually announcements of changes to important dates in the Tongan Calendar were made by Government.

With regards to the Heilala Festival he said the Tonga Tourist Association is the organizer and, "may be something might be confirmed by December," he said.

The Heilala Week usually begins in Nuku'alofa during the last week of June and runs to July 7 featuring events such as the Heilala Beauty Pageant, a Military Parade, a Block Party and local sports tournaments, and competitions.