Schools present cultural performance for Queen Mother's 85th birthday

Schools present cultural performance for Queen Mother's 85th birthday [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Friday, May 27, 2011 - 18:44. Updated on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 10:06.

The Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho at the Education Day in honour of her 85th birthday.

THOUSANDS of students celebrated the Queen Mother's 85th birthday on May 27 with a colourful presentation of brass bands, marching and traditional dances.

Students from all levels of government and schools and institutes marched from Pangai Lahi in central Nuku'alofa to the Teufaiva Outdoor Stadium, on a beautiful sunny day.

Hon Frederica performing the Ma'ulu'ulu.

Ma'ulu'ulu.

The Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho was the guest of honour at the cultural performance, accompanied by the Head of State of Samoa HH Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi and HH Masiofo Filifilia Tamasese as well HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita and younger members of the Tongan royal family.

A Ma'ulu'ulu was performed by the Tonga Institute of Education; a Kailao by Tonga College; a group Tau'olunga by Queen Salote College; a Soke by 'Apifo'ou College; a Faha'iula by St Andrews High School; an 'Otuhaka by Lavengamalie College; and a Lakalaka by Tonga High School, while Tupou High School put on a special melody performance.

Kailao by Tonga College dancers.

Group Tau'olunga by Queen Salote College dancers.

The birthday celebrations were to continue through the weekend, and will be concluded with a Royal Luncheon in the palace grounds on Sunday, May 29 the Queen Mother's birthday.

Beulah College brass band.

Liahona High School brass band.

Government primary school pupils.

Lavengamalie College.

Tonga College band.

At Teufaiva Stadium for the education day, the Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano (rigth) wtoith the Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, HE Mr Yasuo Takase (centre) and members of the Tongan Cabinet.

HRH Princess Pilolevu (left) and the Head of State of Samoa and his wife.

The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Lord Vaea (right), the New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga HE Jonathan Austin and his wife Salote; the Chinese ambassador to Tonga, HE Wang Donghua, the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga HE Mr Thomas Roth (at left).

Tupou High School musical performance.

Tonga College.

Group Tau'olunga.

Soke by 'Apifo'ou College.

Lavengamalie students performing a Ma'ulu'ulu.

Ma'ulu'ulu.

Photo News [2]