The 2016 festival was named winner of the festivals and events category at a gala celebration at Luna Park in Sydney on Thursday, November 24.

The annual awards program celebrates and recognises groups that demonstrate excellence in tourism, services and experiences across New South Wales.

Festival director Cathy Treasure said it has been an amazing year for the festival, after also winning the festivals and events category at the 2016 Regional Tourism Awards in July and the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards on November 11.

“This is the third award the 2016 Parkes Elvis Festival has won this year, which is recognition of all the hard work and dedication of our fantastic volunteers, supporters and staff who have made the festival what it is today,” Cathy said.

“It's exciting for all those involved, especially as we prepare to celebrate the festival's 25th anniversary in just six weeks’ time.”

Parkes Elvis Festival was one of eight finalists in the festivals and events category, taking home the title ahead of Boggabri Drovers Campfire, Canowindra Balloon Challenge, Deni Ute Muster, New Year's Eve in Sydney Harbour, Taste Riverina Festival, The Wingham Akoostik Music Festival and Tulip Time in the Southern Highlands.

Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith said this is a fantastic achievement for a community-generated event.

“From a one-night only event drawing a few hundred Elvis enthusiasts, to offering more than 120 events across five days - the Parkes Elvis Festival is testament to our wonderful community who have cemented Parkes as a premier tourist destination,” he said.

The 2016 Festival attracted more than 22,000 visitors, had a global media reach of 80 million and injected $11 million into the regional economy.

Parkes Elvis Festival will now progress to the national level at the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Darwin on Friday, February 24, where it will be judged against the best of the best throughout the country.