Festival swings to Elvis

IT'S time to dust off those blue suede shoes, grease-up your pelvis and get on the Elvis Express to celebrate the one and only – Elvis Aaron Presley.

DESPITE rumours of him working in service stations and retirement homes – Elvis is alive and kicking in Australia.

Central New South Wales welcomes the return of the King for its annual Parkes Elvis Festival, with fans enjoying five days of Elvis-mania.

From January 9 - 13, the town of Parkes swings to life with the sound of hip-swivelling Elvis impersonators, enjoying more than 100 events, including; an Elvis street parade, an Elvis gospel church service and the Elvis Express Train.

“The festival is in full swing Elvis style, and continues to grow every year – which is very rewarding for the people of Parkes who put so much work in to it,” said Parkes Shire Council Tourism Manager, Kelly Hendry.

"This year we've had more residents in Parkes open their homes up for home hosting, a billeting program where residents in Parkes rent out their spare rooms to visitors during the festival period."

For those who can't stop falling in love with the big man, here's the must-see Elvis events of the festival:

The Keno Feature Concerts

Back by popular demand, Mark Andrew last performed at the Parkes Elvis Festival in 2006, where he wowed a sell-out crowd with a dazzling wardrobe of sequined costumes and dancing show girls. This year promises to be even better as Mark will feature in four performances, first taking the audience through Presley's early years at Sun records, right up to the leather-clad 1968 Comeback Special.

When: Friday, 11 at 8pm; Saturday 12 at 3pm and 8pm; and Sunday, 13 at 3pm.

Cost: $35 adult, $18 children.

Back to the Alter with Elvis

Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to gather at the 'Love Me Tender Archway' and join fellow fans to renew their wedding vows Elvis and Priscilla style!

Conducted by celebrant Andrew 'Elvis' Appleby, the ceremony will feature a 'Blue Hawaii, moody Blues and Blue Suede Shoes' theme, so why not head over and have the Hawaiian-style wedding you have always dreamed of.

The happy couples will be serenaded by Mark Andrew.

When: Sunday, 13 January in Cooke Park at 12pm.

Cost: $40 per couple and includes flowers, official renewal certificate and souvenir photo.

The Elvis Express

Those wishing to travel to the event in style on Friday morning can climb aboard their very own Mystery Train – the Elvis Express Train. Leaving Sydney Central Station on the morning of Friday 11, passengers will be entertained by an Elvis impersonator, while dressed-up staff will give out prizes for the best-dressed Elvis and Priscilla outfits.

The train will arrive at Parkes Railway Station on Friday afternoon, and just in time for a weekend pelvis-thrusting, lip-curling action.

Thank ya very much, ladies and gentlemen.