In April 1957 Elvis Presley’s song All Shook Up topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks. In January 2019 Parkes is going to be All Shook Up for five days in a celebration of the 50s at the Parkes Elvis Festival.
“Every year we aim to make the festival bigger and better, and we have done it again with over 200 events,” said Parkes Elvis Festival Director Cathey Treasure at the launch of the program on Monday. More good news came from Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro who announced the NSW Government would continue its support for one of the country’s most iconic events for a further three years.
Cathy focused on some of the highlights of the festival saying: “We are very excited to have Ted Torres Martin from the US as our feature artist,” said Cathy. He will be doing four different concerts.”
The Wall of Fame recipient will be iconic Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist Russell Morris. “It is very fitting that he is our recipient in the year of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing as his 1969 hit The Real Thing was the theme song for The Dish movie.” Russell will do a special performance on Wednesday night. Fans of Phil Emmanual, who was inducted in the Wall of Fame this year, can look forward to a special tribute concert organised by his brother Darcy following the sudden passing of Phil earlier this year.
The list of new events and highlights is very long and includes a $1,000 prize for the best float in the Norhtparkes Mines Street Parade, more dancing in the street, a special Kombi display, international star Francine Bell at the Gospel Service, more fan interaction workshops, a dance workshop for kids by former Yellow Wiggle Greg Page, more free shows in Cooke Park and many more.
By Maggi Barnard