It’s early January, summer has arrived in all its blazing glory and it’s time for the Parkes Elvis Festival all dressed up in black leather, white suits and lots of pomade to celebrate 50 years since the ’68 Comeback Special. With more than 20,000 people flocking to the biggest one yet, the celebration of the life and music of Elvis will be immortalised
with the unveiling of a permanent statue in Cooke Park this year to ensure his legacy will live on forever in Parkes.
In recognition of the volunteers, who have driven and managed this phenomenon for most of its 26-year history, Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith said: “The statue will be a fitting dedication to our hard-working volunteers, and serve as a lasting legacy and recognition of their work to make the Parkes Elvis Festival what it is today.”
Recognition has also come from various other quarters to confirm the Parkes Elvis Festival is one of the best event experiences in Australia. Over the past year the festival was awarded gold in the NSW Tourism Awards, gold in the Regional Tourism Awards and bronze in the Australian Tourism Awards.
As The King recaptured his kingkom with his legendary performance in 1968 in what is widely regarded as one of the great television moments in pop/rock music history, the 2018 festival promises to win over countless more fans with a jam-packed program full of surprises.
Whether you come with your black leather, white suit or flowery 60’s outfit you are guaranteed to leave here ‘all shook up’!
By Maggi Barnard