By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.

Spreading Christmas cheer, the Tonga Royal Corps of Musicians, performed lively Christmas carols in the Nuku'alofa, Central Business District, today, 19 December 2023.

Wearing their 'aloha shirts, the military band stopped by for performances at government ministries and private firms. The Band Conductor, Melino Malamala said that this is a major part of their annual programme, "we want to help people mark and commemorate our saviour's birth,," he said.

Attracting small crowds, the 20-member band performed Christmas classics like Oh Holy Night, Deck the Halls and Jingle Bells, with a military twist to each song. The band also harmonized their voices to sing in English, Tongan, Fijian and Samoan.

The band performed at Narottam's Clothing and Apparel Store, Railway Road, and near the central marketplace at the Tonga Development Bank and Molisi Supermarket.

Melino Malamala said that they would continue playing carols this week and next week. They will be outside Tī 'Oto Supermarket and Tungi Colonnade tomorrow, 20 December and at Digicel and the Post Office on Thursday.

"We’ll also be playing at the Prime Minister’s house as well as the Deputy PM next week,” said Mr Malamala.