THE 'Ikale Tahi Heilala "Go For Red" block party on Hala Taufa'ahau brought hundreds of people into central Nuku'alofa on Friday, July 22 for a night of fun in support of Tonga's National Rugby Team the 'Ikale Tahi in the build up to the Rugby World Cup 2011 in September.

The block party began with a parade on Taufa'ahau Road led by the Tonga Police Brass Band joined by 'Ikale Tahi rugby players, Miss Heilala contestants, members of the Heilala Organising Committee, the Japanese Ambassador in Tonga HE Mr Yasuo Takase and supporters.

Live entertainment at the main Heilala stage, hosted by 88.6FM station, and set-up beside the ANZ bank, featured a special guest performance by a visiting Japanese hip hop crew from Australia, "Dilated Nu". Local hip-hop groups the Jesters and G-Boys and local artists such as Simani and Mele Nikua also performed on the main stage.

Another stage located at the Loumaile Lodge was hosted by the Equippers Church Group, whose band performed to a large crowd.

Food stalls were plentiful on the side of the road, including the Filipino community in Tonga; the JICA volunteers and the Japanese community who displayed kimonos for visitors to try on.

The annual block party is held part of the celebrations leading up to HM King George Tupou V's birthday celebrations on August 1.

The Block Party on Taufa'ahau from the Talahiva Restaurant to the 'Uliti Uata building lasted for about four hours.