Tonga's annual Heilala Festival is set to begin in Nuku'alofa on July 8 until the August 1 celebration of HM King George Tupou V's official birthday.

In a tentative program released by the Ministry of Tourism today some new festivities are included into the month long program to be held at the Heilala Village in Nuku'alofa.

The Liahona-Saineha Alumni will put on an exhibition, talent shows and float parades.

At the same time the popular annual Miss Galaxy Queen Pageant normally held at the end of the Heilala Festival in August is also being incorporated and will kick-start the festivities on July 8-10.

Hip hop competitions, music festivals and cultural evenings of traditional dancing as well handicraft exhibitions will also be held throughout the festivities.

Miss Heilala Pageant

Meanwhile, the highlight of the festival, the Miss Heilala Pageant will be held from July 20 to August 1 at the Heilala Village. The first judging event on July 27. On July 28 is the Miss Heilala Tau'olunga traditional dancing competition.

The Miss Heilala Pageant final night will be held on July 30 and the last judging event for the Miss Heilala Sarong, Talent and Contemporary Island Creation before the new Miss Heilala 2009-10 is crowned.

A Heilala Festival Island Ball will follow on July 31 at the Heilala Village before the festival is concluded on August 1 with a Float Parade from Teufaiva Stadium to Tu'imatamoana.

To date no one has registered for the pageant but registration remains open until July.