Record crowds are expected this week for the 22nd anniversary of the Parkes Elvis Festival from January 8 - 12, 2014 with the theme 'Kissin' Cousins'. 

It is becoming apparent that the Parkes Elvis Festival is something that should be on everyone's bucket list.

And why wouldn't it be, when people of all ages can don a wig and glasses and re-live the rock n roll era of Elvis that took the world by storm.

The festival features a jam-packed five day program of events including free main stage entertainment, look-a-like contests, Tribute to Elvis Competition, the Elvis Street Parade, displays of Elvis memorabilia (including Greg Page's: The Kings Castle), Elvis Gospel Service, Cars of the Era Car Show and over 100 unique Elvis-style events. 

Cooke Park which is located in the heart of Parkes swells with hip swivelling Elvii and Priscilla’s who flock to the free Main Stage and Elvis Festival Markets.

 Over three days from Friday – Sunday the park hosts a wide range of market stalls and free entertainment which include competitions, rock’n’roll dancing, performances from Elvis Tribute Artists and two free outdoor evening concerts. 

The Elvis Gospel Church Service has become a much-loved feature of the Festival program.

This special interdenominational service pays tribute to Elvis' first love - gospel music. 

The Service sees standing room only as thousands of revellers join with parishioners to make the spiritual journey to the Big W undercover car park for this moving service.

Loved up couples can renew their vows with an Elvis Celebrant at 'Back to the Altar with Elvis', and the Miss Priscilla Dinner will see the crowning of the lashy and luscious 2014 Miss Priscilla. 

Elvis fans who like a round of bowls, can take off their blue suede shoes for a game of casual barefoot Elvis Lawn Bowls, while culture buffs can enjoy an Elvis Art Exhibition, Film Screenings and The Kings Castle Collection (the largest collection of Elvis Memorabilia in the Southern Hemisphere). 

Always attracting the very best Elvis Tribute Artists, the 2014 ClubsNSW Keno Feature Artist, Mark Andrew, will be performing four shows throughout the Festival showcasing an uncanny resemblance to The King, magnificent vocal talent, a dazzling Elvis wardrobe recreating many of the outfits Elvis wore himself and moves sure to leave audiences All Shook Up! 

Additional to the Feature Concert Series, the Feature Artist will be making appearances throughout the Parkes Elvis Festival at the Elvis Gospel Service, Street Parade and Renewal of Vows Ceremony. 

According to organisers, The NSW TrainLink 'Elvis Express' will set the Festival in motion, departing from Platform #1 at Sydney Central Railway Station tomorrow morning en route to Parkes.

Visitors will be rocking all the way onboard the Elvis Express, with an Elvis Tribute Artist electrifying carriages, prizes for best-dressed passengers and a grand Elvis-style platform welcome in Parkes, including a welcome by Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Elvis Keith

“Parkes, a town which has been best known for its starring role in the movie 'The Dish', is increasingly becoming known for its penchant to party with Elvis,” Elvis Revival Inc. President, Kim Ross said. 

“During this unique event, the town has a Graceland style make-over, with Elvii of all shapes and forms swarming the streets and many sightings of Priscilla's and Lisa-Marie's in the crowd. 

“The Festival provides a huge boost to our economy and in fact the whole region in an otherwise quiet time of year,” Ms Ross said. 

For Information about the huge range of Parkes Elvis Festival events visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au or phone Parkes Visitor Information Centre 6862 6000.

Date: 18 September 2013

For Immediate Release