That’s the word on the street from the record-breaking 25,000 fans who congregated in Parkes between Wednesday and Sunday for the 25th Parkes Elvis Festival.

Fans travelled from around Australia and the world – including Portugal, Japan, France and Switzerland – to attend to Viva Las Vegas themed event of non-stop Elvis Presley entertainment.

“In the 25 years since it began, Parkes Elvis Festival has grown to become a bucket list event for many people,” festival director Cathy Treasure said.  

“We’ve had an incredible five days of hip-swiveling action and turned Central West NSW into its own version of Las Vegas.

“I’m ecstatic, it actually went off without a hitch.” 

Cathy said the festival “easily” reached 25,000 people, their goal since day one, which generated an estimated $13 million for the local economy – 3000 more people and $2 million more than last year.

“I’m amazingly proud of the crew, it’s the best crew I’ve ever worked with.

“And among the highlights was the way the locals get behind the festival, especially the volunteers who work throughout the year.”

Cathy estimated 100 volunteers put their hand up to help this year and she’s already got a growing list who have put their name down for next year.

She also praised the local businesses who stayed open for late trading for guests over the festival.

"We'd like to thank our hardworking volunteers and council staff, sponsors, locals and visitors for helping to throw a 25th Anniversary party fit for a King,” Cathy said.

The Elvis Express train departed Sydney’s Central Station on Thursday carrying 400 Elvis fanatics to Parkes with thousands more fans greeting them at Parkes Railway Station.

The 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Wednesday night at the Parkes Leagues Club attracted 350 people, which helped to officially kick off the 2017 festival.

The double-header Feature Concert Series was the undisputed highlight, with Pete Storm and Jake Rowley performing to sold-out audiences at all four concerts.

On Saturday the town and its visitors came out in droves for the Northparkes Mines Street Parade, which saw over 16,000 people line the streets to enjoy the Viva Las Vegas vibes of Elvis-themed floats, vintage cars, motorcycles, walking groups and marching bands. 

The parade attracted 181 entries, including 37 floats, the biggest yet.

Ticket sales at various venues were also up on previous years as was the turnout for Thursday’s Poets Breakfast.

“We’re really happy with all the results,” Cathy said.

“It all points to a much bigger crowd and much more spending.

“The Memphis Stage was popular and we’re looking at expanding that for next year and the misting fans in the street and Cooke Park were a hit.”​

In 2018 the Parkes Elvis Festival will celebrate its 26th year with the theme '68 Comeback Special’, marking 50 years since the television special.

Parkes Elvis Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.