TONGA'S annual Heilala Festival marks its 30th anniversary this year, and a special anniversary program on July 16 at the International Dateline Hotel his planned to showcase highlights of past festivals.

Special guests invited to this special anniversary celebration, include former Miss Heilala's.

In a tentative program released by the Ministry of Tourism on June 29, the Heilala celebrations will run from June 13 to July 24 with festivities centered at the Heilala Village in Nuku'alofa.

Prior to the start of the Festival on July 13, there will be a new singing contest called the Kava Idol, organised by the Tonga Communications Corporation for Kava Club singing, starting on June 29.

The three-days annual Miss Galaxy Queen Pageant runs from July 7-9.

Singing competitions will include "Up with the Stars", a Heilala Festival Choral Evening/. There will be cultural evenings of traditional dancing as well handicraft exhibitions and a new talent show.

Miss Heilala Pageant

The Miss Heilala Pageant will have its first judging event the Pre Pageant Interview on July 19.

On July 20 is the Miss Heilala Tau'olunga traditional dancing competition, followed on July 22 by the Miss Heilala Elegance Night that is the last judging event for the Miss Heilala Sarong, Talent and Contemporary Island Creation.

The crowning of the 2010-11 Miss Heilala will be held during a Heilala 30th Anniversary Grand Ball on July 23. The Heilala Float Parade concludes the event on July 24.

To date no one has registered for the pageant but registration remains open until July.

The theme for this year's festival is "Celebrating our Heritage".