Jumpsuits are being preened and rhinestones polished as more than 22,000 people prepare to shake, rattle and roll their way to Parkes for a five day Elvis extravaganza.
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From Wednesday 11 – Sunday 15 January 2017, Parkes Elvis™ Festival returns, celebrating its 25th birthday with the biggest Viva Las Vegas party Australia has ever seen!
What started as a small get together between likeminded Elvis fans back in 1993 has today grown into an internationally renowned event endorsed by the estate of Elvis Presley.
Announced today, the 2017 Parkes Elvis Festival program is jam-packed with more than 120 events, including the headline Feature Concert Series, Elvis Gospel Service, the Northparkes Mines Street Parade, nonstop free entertainment in Cooke Park, the ever-popular Renewal of Vows, Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner, competitions, busking, dancing, and much more!
The theme for the 2017 event is the 1964 Elvis film Viva Las Vegas.
Think hot rods, neon lights, rhinestones and feathered showgirls as one of NSW’s most vibrant regional communities transforms into a glittering paradise to celebrate their special milestone year.
Festival Director, Cathy Treasure said to have reached 25 years is a huge achievement for the Festival.
“The entire Parkes community has supported this event from the very beginning, helping us grow into the leading celebration of the life of Elvis Presley in Australia,” Cathy said.
“Bob and Anne Steel, our Festival founders, are still an integral part of the Festival to this day, which just goes to show a love of Elvis never dies.
“We’ve got all the Festival’s favourite events returning plus we'll be hosting a 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner to mark our special milestone. Festival friends Mark Andrew and Greg Page will be part of the entertainment at this one-off event."
NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the 2016 Parkes Elvis Festival attracted more than 13,000 overnight visitors, who contributed more than $9.3 million to the local visitor economy.
“As one of the most popular and unique events in Regional NSW, the Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, is proud to support the Parkes Elvis Festival,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to start planning their trip to the region for the special 25th birthday celebration which promises to be a standout on the NSW Events Calendar.”
Tickets are now on sale to all events including the double-header 2017 Feature Concert Series featuring not one, but two leading Elvis tribute artists, Jake Rowley from the US and the UK’s Pete Storm.
Both are set to perform four high-octane shows at Parkes Leagues Club, showcasing the best of The King's back catalogue of classics.
Returning for a second year, Parkes Elvis Festival will stage a preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.
Leading Elvis tribute artists from Australia and abroad will battle it out for the chance to represent Parkes during the semifinal round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, USA, during 'Elvis Week' next August.
For all programming and ticketing information, visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au
