Photos by Pat Car and Linny Folau

Tonga's Galaxy Queen Pageant 2009 began in Nuku'alofa on July 8 with a colourful show of fantastic costumes and imaginative hats, - the annual cross dressing contest securing its reputation as one of Tonga's most outrageous festival events.

This year's show is different because all contestants are local fakaleitis - a contrast to previous pageants where overseas participants have dominated the stage and taken away the prizes.

HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita was the guest of honour at the pageant whose theme this year is to "Reduce Social Stigma and Discrimination against people living with HIV/Aids and Transgender."

The hilarious show features the contestants aged in their 20's and younger.

The night kicked off with the first appearance of their "International Wear" followed by the "Coconut Creation" outfit and concluded by the "Recycle Creation".

Balancing on super high heels Galaxy Queen contestants modeled creative gowns made from green coconut leaves and fine coconut fiber with some flaunting plastic wrapper gowns.

Red-hot second night

The three nights show on Thursday night featured a night of red hot dazzle and glamour with the "Theme Wear", "Condom Creation" and "Talent".

The pageant's new category, "Condom Creation" is aimed at raising awareness on sexually transmitted diseases and the importance of healthy living, said pageant founder Joey Mataele.

Last night's show saw contestants performing every hip moving routine from hula dancing, to hip-hop, Samoan siva, even a Japanese dance.

The finale tonight Friday, July 10 will see the contestants battling it out in the three categories of "Galaxy Wear", "Formal Wear" and a final "Talent" event. The new 2009-10 Galaxy Queen will be announced and that lucky person will take home the first prize of one return ticket to Los Angeles-Tonga, $1,000 cash and gift vouchers.