A colourful float parade with the newly crowned Miss Heilala 2011-12 Liberty Afeaki concluded the annual Heilala Festival and Miss Heilala Pageant in Nuku'alofa today, with thousands of people lining Taufa'ahau Road to enjoy the display.

The parade which began from Teufaiva Stadium to Tu'imatamoana wharf was joined by brass bands of the Saint Andrews High School, Takuilau College, Tailulu College, 'Apifo'ou College and Mounga'olive Brass band.

The float parade was led by the Tonga Police Brass Band and also featured Tonga's National Rugby Team, the 'Ikale Tahi who were applauded by the crowd.

The vibrant Chinese and Japanese communities including the Ambassador of Japan HE Yasuo Takase and JICA volunteers wearing fantastic costumes on a lively float.

The Miss Heilala First Runner 'Elisapeta 'Akau'ola who represented Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau dazzled in red on her float. Miss Lady Maria Tonga Australia Victoria Langafisi who was second runner up also joined the parade with an Australian theme float featuring the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 


Other floats included Filitonu, Mr Tonga Bodybuilders, Tourism Tonga, Ministry of Health and St Andrews High School Go Nuts float among other floats.

Thousands lined Taufa'ahau road to watch the float parade that concluded the 2011 Heilala Festival.