20 Facts About Parkes Elvis Festival

The Parkes Elvis Festival is held annually in Parkes, Australia.

Every year, Parkes, a small town in New South Wales, hosts the renowned Parkes Elvis Festival, a celebration of the iconic musician Elvis Presley. This event attracts thousands of Elvis fans from all around the world.

The festival first began in 1993.

What started as a small gathering of Elvis enthusiasts has now evolved into one of the largest Elvis festivals in the world. The inaugural event took place in 1993 as a way to pay tribute to Elvis and his enduring legacy.

It takes place over five days.

The Parkes Elvis Festival is not just a one-day event. It spans over five days, offering fans and participants ample time to immerse themselves in the Elvis spirit and enjoy a wide range of activities and performances.

The festival attracts over 25,000 visitors each year.

People from all corners of the globe flock to Parkes to be a part of this exhilarating festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse program of events, the Parkes Elvis Festival continues to captivate audiences and draw in a large number of attendees.

There are numerous Elvis-themed events and competitions.

From Elvis impersonator contests to trivia quizzes, the Parkes Elvis Festival offers a multitude of entertaining events for Elvis fans of all ages. Visitors can also enjoy live performances, Elvis-inspired art exhibitions, and even themed parades throughout the festival.

It is a family-friendly event.

The Parkes Elvis Festival welcomes people of all ages and provides a wide range of activities suitable for families. Kids can participate in Elvis-themed crafts, dance workshops, and enjoy performances specifically tailored for young Elvis enthusiasts.

Parkes becomes an Elvis wonderland during the festival.

The entire town of Parkes transforms into an Elvis wonderland during the festival. Streets are adorned with Elvis-themed decorations, shops offer Elvis merchandise, and there is an overall festive and electrifying atmosphere in the air.

Elvis fans dress up in their best Elvis-inspired outfits.

One of the highlights of the Parkes Elvis Festival is the opportunity for fans to dress up as their favorite Elvis incarnation. From his famous white jumpsuits to his iconic leather attire, festival-goers don their best Elvis-inspired outfits, creating a lively and vibrant visual spectacle.

The festival includes a range of live music performances.

Music plays a central role at the Parkes Elvis Festival, with live performances by talented Elvis tribute artists as well as other bands and artists that pay homage to Elvis and his music. From rock ‘n’ roll to gospel, the festival offers a diverse range of musical genres for attendees to enjoy.

There is a signature Elvis look-alike competition.

A highlight of the festival is the highly anticipated Elvis look-alike competition, where Elvis enthusiasts showcase their best impersonation of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Contestants are judged on their overall appearance, performance, and ability to capture the essence of Elvis.

Parkes Elvis Festival holds the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Elvis impersonators.

In 2007, the Parkes Elvis Festival made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Elvis impersonators in one place. The festival continues to attract Elvis impersonators from around the world, eager to participate in this record-breaking event.

Elvis-themed food and drinks are available throughout the festival.

Visitors to the Parkes Elvis Festival can indulge in a range of Elvis-themed food and drinks. From Elvis burgers and milkshakes to peanut butter and banana sandwiches, festival-goers can experience the culinary delights associated with Elvis’s signature tastes.

The festival features a gospel service to honor Elvis’s spiritual side.

Recognizing Elvis’s deep-rooted gospel music influence, the Parkes Elvis Festival includes a special gospel service. This service provides attendees with an opportunity to pay homage to Elvis’s spiritual journey and enjoy uplifting music in a religious setting.

There are themed buskers performing throughout the festival.

Street entertainment is a key element of the Parkes Elvis Festival. Festival-goers can catch talented buskers performing Elvis classics on street corners, adding to the lively and energetic atmosphere of the event.

The festival hosts an Elvis street parade.

One of the most anticipated events of the Parkes Elvis Festival is the Elvis street parade. Thousands of people line the streets to catch a glimpse of the spectacular parade, featuring Elvis-themed floats, vintage cars, and enthusiastic Elvis fans.

Elvis tribute artists from around the world participate in the festival.

The Parkes Elvis Festival attracts top Elvis tribute artists from all over the globe. These talented individuals bring Elvis’s music and charisma back to life, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances.

There is an Elvis gospel choir.

The festival showcases an Elvis gospel choir that performs a selection of Elvis’s gospel hits. This soul-stirring choir brings a touch of spirituality and reverence to the festival, allowing attendees to appreciate Elvis’s connection to gospel music.

Parkes Elvis Festival offers a range of accommodation options.

With the influx of visitors during the festival, Parkes provides a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. From hotels to campgrounds, attendees can find a place to stay that best suits their needs.

There is an Elvis-themed car show.

Car enthusiasts can appreciate the Elvis-themed car show, featuring classic cars that pay homage to Elvis’s love for automobiles. The car show offers a glimpse into Elvis’s lifestyle and his passion for stylish and iconic vehicles.

The festival contributes to the local economy.

The Parkes Elvis Festival brings a significant economic boost to the town, supporting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. The festival’s popularity has helped put Parkes on the map as a top tourist destination in Australia.

Conclusion

The Parkes Elvis Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that showcases the enduring legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. With its vibrant atmosphere, exciting performances, and unique activities, it has become a must-visit event for Elvis fans from around the world. From Elvis tribute artists to memorabilia exhibitions, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this spectacular festival.

Whether you’re a die-hard Elvis fan or simply looking for a fun and entertaining experience, the Parkes Elvis Festival promises to provide an unforgettable time. So mark your calendars, put on your blue suede shoes, and get ready to celebrate the life and music of Elvis Presley in the charming town of Parkes.

FAQs

1. When is the Parkes Elvis Festival held?

The Parkes Elvis Festival is typically held in the second week of January, around the time of Elvis Presley’s birthday on January 8th.

2. Where is the Parkes Elvis Festival located?

The festival takes place in Parkes, a small town located in the Central West region of New South Wales, Australia.

3. How long does the festival last?

The Parkes Elvis Festival is a five-day event, with various activities and performances scheduled throughout the duration.

4. Is the festival only for Elvis fans?

No, the festival is open to everyone and welcomes people of all ages and interests. While it celebrates the music and legacy of Elvis Presley, there are plenty of activities and entertainment options for non-Elvis fans as well.

5. Are there any entry fees for the festival?

Most of the festival events are free to attend, but some may require paid tickets or registration. It is recommended to check the festival’s official website for any specific entry requirements or fees.

6. Can I dress up as Elvis during the festival?

Absolutely! In fact, dressing up as Elvis is encouraged and adds to the festive spirit of the event. Many attendees come decked out in Elvis-inspired costumes.

7. Are there any accommodation options available in Parkes?

Yes, Parkes offers a range of accommodation options including hotels, motels, caravan parks, and camping grounds. It is advisable to book in advance as the festival attracts a large number of visitors.

8. What are some of the main highlights of the festival?

Some of the main highlights of the Parkes Elvis Festival include the Elvis tribute artist competitions, street parades, live performances, Elvis-themed markets, and the famous Elvis Street Parade.

9. Can I bring my family to the festival?

Absolutely! The Parkes Elvis Festival has activities and entertainment suitable for all ages, making it a perfect family-friendly event.

10. Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, the festival organizers strive to make the event accessible for everyone. Special provisions such as wheelchair accessibility and designated parking areas are available.