Tongas 25th Heilala Festival will be held from July 1-8, this year, with seven overseas contestants joining local girls in the annual Miss Heilala Pageant.

The Heilala Festival Organizing Committee confirmed that the Contestants for the Miss Heilala Pageant will all be in Tonga by June 25 to take part in an orientation programme at the scenic Blow Holes in Houma. Two contestants from New Zealand, one from Australia and three to four contestants from mainland America are expected to compete with local girls for the title Miss Heilala title.

The Heilala Festival Programme includes:

Friday 1 July - evening Heilala Carnival and Block Party, downtown Nuku...’alofa.

Saturday 2 July - Miss Heilala Pageant Presentation and Interview.

Monday 4 July - Float Parade, after the Military Parade at Pangai, in honour of HM King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV's 87th Birthday.

Tuesday 5 July - Miss Heilala Tau...’olunga Competition.

Wednesday 6 July -Miss Tau...’olunga Junior, early teen and teen competitions.

Thursday 7 July - Miss Heilala South Pacific evening with the Sarong Swimwear, Talent Quest, Contemporary Island Creation and the Stage Interview.

Friday 8 July -Awards Night and Crowning of Miss Heilala.