What do you like about the Parkes Elvis Festival?
Glen Voss from Little Bay, Sydney: I am back for the 14th time! I love the people, the friendliness of everyone – there is no trouble here. Everyone is so supportive. It is a real feel good festival.
Sue Kinsela from Buderim on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland: It is my seventh festival. I grew up in Parkes and love coming back for the music, seeing all the different outfits and that everybody gets involved. We go to a lot of festivals and this is definitely one of the best.
Rick Gattenhof from Melbourne: I have only missed one festival so this is my 25th one! I love the music, the good atmosphere and that people come here for a good time. We’ve made good friends in Parkes and it feels like a family reunion every year. I’ve decided to do some busking this year, after doing many years of behind the scenes work. I do a free concert at the Rosedurnate Old Age Home every year.
Tina Spear from Cairns: It is my first time. We are a group of five caravans on our way to the Tamworth Country Music Festival and decided to do Parkes first. I am looking forward to the parade and all the entertainers. We have all bought Rock ‘n Roll dresses.
Rupert (the) King from Auckland, New Zealand: I am back for my second time to perform in The Ultimates and do some busking. I’ve been singing country music for 47 years. I love coming as Elvis nostalgia is big here, it is intoxicating as people’s love of Elvis is so obvious. I love it that everyone dresses up.
Melissa Richardson and her daughter Madeline from Bridgewater, Victoria and her sisters Arena Krauzowicz and Lynette Harper from Geelong: It is our first time here and we are very excited. Everyone knows about this festival and we are looking forward to the whole experience.