The southern hemisphere’s biggest Elvis festival rocks central NSW
“Y’all know how to have a great time in Parkes,” Florida-based Cote Deonath tells me. “It’s a bucket list for all the Elvii (Elvises) in the States to come over here and headline this incredible festival,” adds the world-renowned Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA). Fellow ETA, Emilio Santoro from the UK, agrees. “It’s like every other Elvis festival on steroids,” says the young heartthrob who showcases Elvis’s early years. “It’s a dream come true to be out here.”
You can’t help but get “all shook up” by the fun and frivolity of the annual Parkes Elvis Festival, often likened to Schoolies for grownups. Everyone is chipper and cheerful, here to share rock ‘n’ roll good times, and Parkes rolls out the welcome mat.
As Elvis festival director Brendan Shipley says: “Parkes becomes a place where people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life come together through a shared sense of fun, friendship and community spirit.” That spirit starts with Mayor Neil Westcott. “I’m sure I’m the only mayor that has to dress up like this,” says the fifth-generation farmer in his bejewelled blue jumpsuit, made to measure in Canada. “But there’s always a bit of play-acting in politics,” he grins. “When I see the absolute joy this festival generates, it’s just a thrill and honour to be mayor of such a wonderful shire.”
