Well thank you very much.
In what represents a huge boost for long-suffering Parkes and Forbes accommodation operators, the organisers of the annual Elvis Festival have announced the iconic festival will take place from April 20 – 24, 2022 and tickets have gone on sale.
All shook up accommodation providers in Parkes and 35km away in Forbes are already close to being fully-booked as are local caravan parks and camping grounds with previous bookings smoothly being processed to reflect the new date.
Usually held in the second week of January to coincide with Elvis’ birthday on January 8, the festival next year will be held from April 2024, organisers citing COVID-related concerns forcing to delay the usual timeline when surrounded by uncertainty.
But COVID concerns to one side the event which has run since 1993 will be just as action packed with a huge number of events scheduled including the traditional ‘Miss Priscilla Dinner’, live music and the best Elvis impersonations.
Another popular event is the Northparkes Mines Street Parade which has Elvis-themed floats, vintage cars, a marching band and look-a-likes. The parade will travel from Bushman Street to Cooke Park via Clarinda Street.
There will also be look-alike competitions for both Elvis and Priscilla wannabees with cash prizes available.
For those who are romantically inclined, there is also an opportunity to renew vows. The $50 cost per couple includes the ceremony, a certificate, photograph, flowers and wedding cake.
As in previous years, NSW Trainlink will be operating two special train options, the Blue Zephyr Luxury Heritage Train ‘Blue Suede Express’ and the NSW TrainLink XPT ‘Elvis Express’. These train services depart on the Thursday of the Festival from Sydney to Parkes, returning Monday.
Parkes Elvis Festival director, Cathy Treasure said that after this year’s festival had to be cancelled, it was disappointing to move it yet again, but it promises to be bigger and better than ever.
“We are determined to make 2022 a memorable Parkes Elvis Festival for all to enjoy safely,” she said.
“Naturally the entire festival family is disappointed that we can’t go ahead with our traditional January date.
“Rest assured that we are working behind the scenes to deliver an incredible April event to celebrate in true Parkes fashion and continue the tradition of delivering a highly successful one-of-a-kind festival,” she said.
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
