Tonga's annual Heilala Festival will be held this year under a theme "Tourism is our future", on July 16-28.

A Heilala Festival tentative program released on May 16, has festivities starting on July 16 with a Liahona/Saineha Alumni Float Parade in central Nuku'alofa.

On July 17, is a cultural evening consisting of Tongan singing competitions. A primary schools singing competition and an Inter College Brass Band competition will be held on July 18.

On July 19, is a second cultural evening competition for dances such as the mako, tau'olunga, and group mixed dance.

The Miss Heilala program begins on July 20, with the contestants' orientation and a block party on Taufa'ahau Roadin the evening.

On Sunday, July 22 is a One Tonga choral night by Western Union/Fexco.

Pageant

The first judging event of the Miss Heilala Pre-Pageant Interview will be held on July 23 followed with Tonga's Got Talent competition in the evening.

On July 24, is the Miss Heilala Tau'olunga competition, while a Miss Tau'olunga Junior, Miss Tau'olunga Pre-Teen, Mr Tulafale and Fire Dance competitions will be held, on July 25.

On July 26, is the Miss Heilala final judging event which is the South Pacific Evening wear of island creation, talent, and sarong.

The new Miss Heilala 2012-13 will be crowned during a Miss Heilala Ball on July 27, at the International Dateline Hotel.

The Heilala festivities will end with a float parade from Teufaiva Stadium to the Vuna waterfront, on July 28.

The current Miss Heilala is Liberty Afeaki.

Village

A spokesperson from the Heilala Organizing Committee, said nearly all events will be held at a Heilala Village, but a venue has not been confirmed at this stage.

The committee had sought permission to use Pangai Lahi park and they are still waiting for confirmation from the Palace Office.

Over the last few years, the Heilala Village was located at the Tungi Arcade space in central Nuku'alofa but the new building has been constructed on the site.