King applauds 10,000 dancers on education day

King applauds 10,000 dancers on education day [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 19:15. Updated on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 - 16:10.

Photos by Peter Poulsen, Mary Lyn Fonua, Linny Folau and Adrienne L. Kaeppler.

HM King George Tupou V enjoying the mass dancing of the Education Day 2008.

King George Tupou V applauded the spectacular dances by massed Tongatapu schools at Teufaiva Stadium this morning.

The event was attending by guests and visitors arriving for the Coronation.

The main traditional ceremonial event will be held tomorrow with the Taumafakava - a kava ceremony for the investiture of the king. There will be a dinner at the home of the King's brother Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka on Thursday night. The Coronation service and ceremony will be held at the FWC Centenary Church on Friday August 1. A coronation ball for the Royal Family and guests will be held in the evening. On Saturday there will be traditional feasting at the palace and entertainment with seven Lakalaka performances at Pangai Lahi.

HM King George Tupou V arrives at Teufaiva Stadium for Education Day.

Hon. Sione Ikamafana Tuita.

Presents for the king.

Students present a Tapa insignia for King George Tupou V.

Artist Dr Michael Schirmer, in Prussian garb, presents a new story book for schools.

Rev. Dr Tevita Palefau greets King George Tupou V.

Crowds at Teufaiva Stadium for the Education Day dancing.

The Minister of Education Rev. Dr Tevita Palefau and his CEO Viliami Fukofuka.

Rev. Dr Tevita Palefau greets King George Tupou V.

King George Tupou V receives gifts from a student representative.

King George Tupou V.

Two kings. Tonga’s King George Tupou V and the Maori King and Queen.

King George Tupou V receives gifts from a student representative.

A Tapa insignia for King George Tupou V presented by school students.

Minister of Health, Dr Viliami Tangi (centre) watches the Education Day dancing at Teufaiva Stadium.