The impersonator-packed Elvis Express passed through Orange on Thursday afternoon on its pilgrimage to one of the world's largest fan festivals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 200 Parkes-bound fans of 'The King' pulled into East Fork Station off Peisley Street at 1.37pm, Thursday after a brief delay.
"It's a fantastic experience ... great atmosphere," promotional Elvis Graham Lawrence said.
Hundreds of excited Elvis passages waved to a small group of onlookers who coalesced during the brief stopover, with a handful stepping outside for photos.
A safety inspector Elvis ensured his fellow Elvii remained behind the platform's yellow line, before the conductor Elvis announced departure.
The train completed its journey from Sydney's Central Station to Parkes just after 3pm, where it will be greeted by about 3000 people.
Upwards of 25,000 people are expected to visit this year's Elvis Festival in Parkes. Fans have travelled from the USA, Britain, and Netherlands.
Running until January 8, the schedule comprises concerts, memorabilia displays, film screenings, dance classes, and karaoke.
The custom-painted Elvis Express has shuttled fans from Sydney since 2004. On Thursday the state government announced funding until at least 2026.
Now in its 30th year, the Parkes Elvis Festival is endorsed by the Elvis Presley Estate.
READ MORE:
Stay tuned for all our coverage from the Parkes Elvis Festival over the five days as the town and fans celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2023. We've marked the milestone with a special series of stories that show just how far the festival has come and the people who've made it what it is today.
Check out the series here:
- Where it began: Founders reflect on Elvis Festival's incredible evolution 30 years on
- Elvis Festival was hands-on for locals 'but we loved it', says daughter of founders
- Parkes Elvis Festival nearly 'lost forever' after seven years, now it's almost 30
- Elvis really does live in Parkes and he was our first look-a-like winner
- John's secret identity as our first Elvis sound-a-like winner a secret no more
- Unique and with potential: Kelly's crucial role in saving festival and taking it to the next level
- McGraths quietly working away behind festival curtains for 30 years, now their kids are too
- Kristy and her team doing their part for Elvis Festival because she says it's important
- Praise be for 30 years of Elvis Festival as Gospel Service comes of age
- Others may have thought they were fools to rush in dressed as Elvis but rugby boys started a movement
- Meet Parkes' first Miss Priscilla as festival turns 30 and competition marks 16 years
William Davis
Covering local government and breaking news in Orange with the Central Western Daily. Got a story? Contact me at william.davis@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Covering local government and breaking news in Orange with the Central Western Daily. Got a story? Contact me at william.davis@austcommunitymedia.com.au
