Elvis fans shake up Central Station ahead of the Parkes Elvis Festival
Blue suede shoes and rhinestones-clad costumes took over Central Station on Thursday as an army of Elvis fanatics prepared to board the Elvis Express.
NSW
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Central Station commuters were rocked by the sight of an army of Elvis fanatics on their way to the Parkes Elvis Festival on Thursday.
The droves of Elvis-obsessives filled the station with live music and bejewelled jumpsuits, with more to come as the Parkes Elvis Festival, that runs until January 15, promises concerts, exhibitions, and even wedding ceremonies in honour of the king of rock’n’ roll.
Wearing his best blue Elvis costume. Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott said the festival was going to do wonders for the community.
“There is obviously a big economic benefit,” he said.
“I think, mental health wise, to have something like the Elvis Festival, where it’s all about having fun, meeting new people and creating new memories, it’s great for anyone in any community.”
From established fans who saw Elvis live, to newcomers who have discovered his music since, Parkes is set to be filled with a wide range of enthusiasts through to Sunday.
Stuart Tipple had always been curious about the festival and this year decided it was time to give it a go.
“We see it on the news every year and always say ‘hey, we need to do that’,” Mr Tipple said.
“I’m 71 now, so time is running out and with all the hype this year had to be the year.”
Mr Tipple is not alone, with many people embarking on their first Elvis festival journey in 2024.
Crock Gray, 54, is a veteran of the Elvis Festival, with this year being his ninth in a row.
Although he has experienced the festival for almost a decade, Mr Gray keeps finding new and unique parts of it.
“I’ve been going to the festival for nine years now, but this is the first time we are taking the Elvis express train,” he said.
“The atmosphere of the train really appealed to me, I mean, what can go wrong with six hours of Elvis songs?”
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