HM King George Tupou V's official birthday will be celebrated with a public holiday on Monday, August 1 when the King attends a military parade followed by a Royal Luncheon and traditional dancing performances at Pangai Lahi.

The Prime Minister's office in Nuku'alofa confirmed the programme for the annual event.

Lt Commander Solomone Savelio told Matangi Tonga that the United States Marine Band and Australian Army Band would join the Tonga Defence Services at the military parade, on August 1.

Two Military Tattoo will follow on two nights at Pangai Lahi, firstly on Tuesday, August 2 and again on Wednesday, August 3 with demonstrations by all TDS units, as well as the US Marine and the Australian bands.

The HMNZS Otago would also arrive in Tonga on July 30 and stay unti August 2 but the New Zealanders would not be joining the military parade.

It is understood that a medal award ceremony to mark the king's birthday would be held on Saturday, July 30 at the Palace.

The King (63) was born on May 4, 1948. The King decreed that his official birthday be changed to August 1 the date of his Coronation in 2008.

The official program should be released before the end of the week.

This week the Heilala Festival is being held in central Nuku'alofa including the Miss Heilala Pageant.