Lost in the music of love

$<p>Lorene Dowling from Tasmania lost in the words of Can\\'t Help Falling in Love that was being performed in the street. PHOTO: Christine Little</p>\\n$

Lorene Dowling from Tasmania lost in the words of Can't Help Falling in Love that was being performed in the street. PHOTO: Christine Little

Lorene Dowling travelled all the way up from Tasmania for the Parkes Elvis Festival

Christine Little

January 9, 2026 • 02:51

Updated, January 15, 2026 • 12:51

PHOTO

Lost in the music, 62-year-old Lorene Dowling was in Chamberlain Square on Friday morning listening to Parkes band Easy Goin' and a teenager Elvis performer Ruben Aguilera from Wollongong.

They were performing her favourite song, Elvis' classic love song Can't Help Falling in Love.

Lorene was here for her very first Parkes Elvis Festival, travelling all the way up from Tasmania.

She said this festival has been on her bucket list and she's been waiting two years for the chance to attend after finally securing some accommodation.

"I love Elvis," Lorene said.

"I go to a lot of his shows (tribute shows) at home.

"I absolutely love music and I was so pleased to be at the festival, the whole atmosphere was amazing."

The festival made a perfect birthday bash - or birthday present - for Lorene too, she turned 62 on Sunday, 4 January, just before the festival began.