Numerous events have been mentioned but many remain unconfirmed for venues and dates.

The secretary for the Cabinet Coronation Committee Lupe 'Ilaiu said on July 7 that an official program should be with the printer by the end of next week. She said that the committee hoped that by then the 22 sub-committees would have confirmed their programs and consolidated the many into one Official Coronation Program.

Each of the 22 sub-committees oversees one specific event of the celebration, ranging from the Traditional Dances Sub-committee, Royal Feasts Sub-committee, to Royal Guests/Heads of State/Heads of Government Sub-Committee to the Media and Security Sub-committees.

The official Coronation program will run from July 29 to August 2 and will include and education cultural day, Coronation Ball, a military parade, traditional dancing, a traditional kava ceremony the Taumafa Kava, a fireworks display, a rugby match, traditional torch lighting the Tutupakanava and an open air music concert, beauty contest, and many other activities.

The Ministry of Training, Employment, Youth and Sports is also staging various sporting events that will kick off with a Sprint Triathlon on July 19, to be followed by other sporting activities, including a Tour de Tongataboo bicycle race around Tongatapu, rowing, swimming, canoe racing, cricket, boxing, table tennis, volleyball, and others.

Unfortunately, international concert pianist Marilyn Meier who said she was thrilled to be invited to perform at a charity concert during the celebrations will be unable to fly over from Australia.

Still on the Rumour List a 70-member Chinese Orchestra is supposed to be coming to perform at the Coronation ceremony at the Centenary Church and at other venues during the celebration. The actual crowning of King George Tupou V it is also rumoured will be carried out by an Anglican Bishop, Bishop Jabez Bryce of the Diocese of Polynesia.

The rumour list keeps growing by the day, and whether and why Mick Jagger, Elton John or other super stars might be coming has not been confirmed.

Official programme

Meanwhile, tonight, July 8, on Television Tonga, the Acting Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Paula Ma'u said that the Coronation program will actually start on Wednesday July 30, 10 am, with the Taumafa Kava. "Traditionally, that is when the new king is crowned," said Paula. The Taumafa Kava is expected to last for two hours.

He said at 3 pm there will be a medal presentation.

On July 31, at Kolovai there will be a dinner at 'Liukava', hosted by the Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka for overseas guests. some 300 guests are expected, according to Paula.

In Nuku'alofa there will be a Tupakapakanava a torch lighting ceremony along the waterfront.

On August 1 - Coronation day at 10 am at the Centenary Church, Saione, the Coronation is expected to last for an hour. After the service the new king will drive up Hala Vaha'akolo, turn left at Hala Mateialona and then left again at Hala Taufa'ahau. School children will be lining the street. He will drive down to the flag pole then turn left to the Palace, where he will meet foreign dignitaries.

At 1pm there will be an official luncheon at the Palace, hosted by the Prime Minister and the government.

In the evening there will be a charity concert at Touliki. There will also be another Tupakapakanava and a fireworks display.

On August 2 at 10 am there will be a military parade. Three overseas bands will take part.

At 1 pm, there will be another luncheon at the Palace, hosted by the nobles.

Following the luncheon, there will be traditional dancing at Pangai Lahi. There will be seven Lakalaka altogether.

On the evening of August 2 at 10 pm there will be a grand coronation ball at The Villa.

On August 3 the Tonga National Council of Churches have organised a special service for the new king.

Paula said that nine foreign royals have been invited, some had replied and others had not. A total of 300 dignitaries have been invited.

a week after the Coronation celebrations on Tongatapu the king will travel to the outer islands of Niuas, Vava'u, Ha'apai and 'Eua.