Recognised as one of the top three events staged in Australia, the Parkes 2023 Elvis festival celebrated its 30-year anniversary this month, kicking off on January 4 and presenting a packed five-day itinerary for appreciative fans.
Narrabri locals Owen and Tracy Warren and Wee Waa locals Raymond and Sue Warren attended the festivities and enjoyed a fabulous few days celebrating.
Jenny Wilson and Jackie Hoath from Narrabri also attended, boarding the train from Narrabri and the following morning joining the famed ‘Elvis Express’ at Central Station.
“The train from Sydney to Parkes was such fun,” said Mrs Wilson.
“Many travellers were dressed in theme and Elvis impersonators were on board to entertain us for the whole trip.
“They would get people up singing and everyone was having an absolute ball. It was a great start to the festival.”
Growing in comparison to the largest Elvis festival in the world, which is staged at Porthcawl, Wales with more than 40,000 visitors, Parkes can proudly claim its rising position in the worldwide arena.
On January 8, 1993, the first festival was launched and attended by 195 people.
This year by comparison the festival demonstrated its growth in popularity with a crowd amounting to nearly 30,000 attending the event over the five days.
The theme for 2023 was the Elvis 1961 musical comedy, Blue Hawaii.
Those familiar with the film will recall Presley playing the role of Chad Gates who has recently left the Army and is looking forward to some fun and romance in the Aloha State.
The movie’s sun, sand and surf mixed together with Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, flower leis, ukuleles and pineapples, gave visitors plenty of options to dress in theme and hundreds of Elvis, Blue Hawaii and Rock ‘n’ Roll themed events were staged throughout the festival.
