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The Parkes Elvis Festival has received the ultimate compliment - endorsement by Elvis Presley Enterprises in America!
And the announcement was made on a very appropriate date - what would have been Elvis’ 80th birthday (yesterday, January 8).
Parkes Mayor, Ken Keith revealed the amazing news while farewelling the Elvis Express at Sydney’s Central Station yesterday.
“The iconic Parkes Elvis Festival has licensed with Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc and Graceland®,” the Mayor said.
“The Parkes Elvis Festival is the first Elvis festival in the southern hemisphere to enter into endorsement with the estate of Elvis Presley.
“I take pleasure in announcing that our major Parkes community event celebrating the King of rock'n'roll is now endorsed by agreement with Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis, Tennessee.”
Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc (EPE), based at Graceland in Memphis, approves worldwide licensing rights for Elvis-related festivals and live events.
Local Festival organisers believe the relationship will assist the growth of the festival by drawing on the knowledge and global reach of EPE and its affiliates.
“The Festival is delighted to be entering into a mutually beneficial licensing arrangement with EPE that will take the event to new heights,” Cr Keith said.
Elvis Presley Enterprises Vice President of Marketing Gary Hahn welcomed the licensing arrangements by saying:
“Parkes Elvis Festival is a tremendous celebration of the life and legacy of the King of rock‘n’roll and we are proud to have this as an officially sanctioned event, representing Australia’s love for all things Elvis.”
Mayor Keith said it was always one of the big risks of the festival that there was a possibiity the name Elvis Presley could not be used.
“But now it has been fully sanctioned and no other town can pinch it.
“It basically locks us in as the Elvis Capital of Australia.”
Cr Keith said talks were started with EPE a couple of years ago, but had only become serious in the past year.
“We have had about 12 months of negotiation behind the scenes,” he revealed.
“There are a great number of conditions to comply with, especially around the merchandising and entertainment.
“That is whey we changed the branding this year.
“It’s all a matter of ensuring the image and name of Elvis is highly respected and well looked after.
“EPE had lots of pictures and vision, and was well aware of the Parkes Festival. They will assist in its promotion in future years.”
The Parkes Elvis Festival was started 23 years ago by local restaurateurs and keen Elvis fans Bob and Anne Steel.
This year, more than 18,000 people are expected in town to celebrate the King’s 80th birthday.
“It is a natural progression that the Festival forms a formal relationship with Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc.
“In Australia, when people think Elvis, they think Parkes.
“We look forward to developing our relationship with EPE into the future,” Cr Keith said.
