Tonga's King George Tupou V joined a crowd of 2000 at a Christmas celebration "Carols by the Sea" at Pangai Lahi on Saturday evening, December 11.

The event featured some of Tonga's talented performers, including Tonga's Royal Corps of Musicians, the Royal Maopa Choir, 'Atolomake Helu, Finau Afeaki, Joey Mataele, the Tupou College Brass Band, John Paul Po'oi, Filipo Lemoto, 'On the Spot' dancers, the Carols by the Sea Children's Choir, and hip hop crews. Also joining the carols from New Zealand were singers Angela Afeaki and Sylvia Liava'a. There were also multicultural events, featuring performances by the Fijian Community and the Australian Volunteers.

Christmas messages shown on a big screen came from Tongans overseas including Tonga's High Commissioner in London, HE Dr Ngongo Kioa and the Tongan community in Hawaii.

The King attended the occasion with the Queen Mother Halaevalu and members of the Royal Family.

Reece Proudfoot, the spokesperson a committee of volunteers who organized the concert said this year's event was the second of its kind and it was a great success with an estimated 2000 people attending.

"The Tongan community has really pulled together to make this an evening to remember.".

Reece said that the Carols raised over $2,000 for the Tonga Breast Cancer Society from the sales of 500 goodie bags, face painting activities and individual donations.