A thanksgiving service and a Church Choir Exhibition kick started the programme for the 27th Annual Teuila Festival last night.

Held infront of the government building, choirs from various denominations took part.

They included the Apia Protestant Church, Catholic Church, The Central Stake of the Latter Day Saints, Catholic Central, Bahai, Maluafou College, Assembly of God, Nazarene Church, CCJS Apia, Methodist at Matafele and the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Reverend Fiti Aloali’i opened the formalities with a prayer.

Samoa's Teulia Festival is held every September and celebrates a wide range of cultural activities and sporting events.

The Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualavi II and Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, were present.

The Teuila Festival will be officially opened with a parade this morning.