Photos by Pesi Fonua and Mary Lyn Fonua

 

A multi-cultural "One Tonga" Block party brought thousands of people out onto the streets in central Nuku'alofa on Friday, July 25 with a show in the lead-up celebration of HM King George Tupou V's coronation.

Tongans came together with the Chinese, Japanese, Australians, New Zealanders, Samoans, Fijians, Indians, Phillipines communities to present a free concert for the community. Dressed in their traditional attire their show began with a float parade on Taufa'ahau Road through the central business district.

Lead by the Tonga Police Band, the ethnic communities marched from the Queen Salote Memorial Hall to the centre stage at Heilala Village where they performed various national dances.

The Australian Navy Band joined the parade followed by the Australian community as well as the Beulah College Brass Band.

Thousands of people joined the "One Tonga" block party in a continuous flow throughout the night. Spotted in the crowd were Princess Siu'ilikutapu; Miss South Pacific Tessi Tolutau; the 2008 Miss Heilala Contestants; singer Angela 'Afeaki; and people from all walks of life, including Chief Justice A. Ford; visiting radio and television personalities; the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga; and many others.

 

The party was held on the road from the Queen Salote Memorial Hall to the Tonga Post Office, bringing cafes and stalls to life and the road was filled with thousands of happy people of all ages.

The One Tonga block party was an initiative organised by Robina Nakao and Western Union Tonga.