Bookings are now available through telephone calls for those who would like to take part in celebrating the 2016 Festival of International Understanding in Cowra in which Tonga was chosen as the guest country.

The next week’s events give members of the New South Wales community the opportunity to taste Tongan food and enjoy Tongan entertainments.

Kaniva News has been reliably told Princess Angelika Tukuʻaho held a meeting with Tongans in NSW early this week as part of the preparation for the festival.

“To learn about this colourful island Kingdom, come to the Senior Citizens’ Centre in Railway Lane on Thursday, March 10 at 11am. A typical island welcome awaits you”, Cowra Guardian said.

Known as U3A it said it is “the world-first virtual U3A operating exclusively online” providing “short courses for older people who enjoy learning but prefer the freedom to study where and when they choose”.

Cowra is located at Central West region of New South Wales with a population of 9,730.

“The members of Cowra U3A are preparing their contributions to the 2016 Festival of International Understanding, the guest country this year being the Kingdom of Tonga”, the paper said.

UA3 has invited the public to join them and participate in “an Island feast at the same venue on Tuesday, March 15 at 12.30pm”.

“The cost is $12.50 per person and bookings are essential on 6342 2806 or 6341 1030 by Friday, March 11. The optional dress for the feast is grass skirt with lei – we might even be able to loan you one, but we will certainly have leis for you”.