Nine-days of celebrations for the Heilala Festival 2013 begin tomorrow, Friday June 28, with a block party in central Nuku'alofa. The annual festival coincides with the celebration of HM King Tupou VI's official birthday on July 4, a public holiday in Tonga.

A Military Parade at Pangai Lahi, a Thanksgiving Service at the Royal Palace and Royal Luncheon will mark the king's 54th birthday this year.

It will be a busy week. The Heilala Festival held at a Heilala Village on Vuna Wharf, includes the Miss Heilala Pageant on July 1-5, traditional dancing and singing competitions, a secondary school brass band competition and a float parade. A Western Union/Fexco "One Tonga" singing celebration will be held on Sunday, June 30.

Two military tattoos will be held on the evening of July 5-6 at Pangai Lahi, while Tonga High School celebrates its joint 65-66th anniversary on July 3-7.

Conference

Meanwhile, the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga has this week started its 90^th Annual Church Conference to end on July 2.

On June 26, Rev. Dr 'Ahio was re-elected as the President of the church with Rev. Dr Tevita Havea re-elected as General Secretary. 

King Tupou VI officially opened the conference today, June 27 at the Centennial Church. It is understood hundreds of church members from overseas and Tonga's outer islands are in the capital for the annual event.