Can’t help falling in love with Elvis Express

As the clock strikes 8.33am on Thursday morning, a peculiar crowd in studded white jumpsuits and aviator sunglasses will emerge on the platforms of Sydney’s Central station.

Elvis impersonator Johnny Angel, aka Pacific Elvis, at Central Station ahead of Thursday’s annual Parkes Elvis Festival. Picture: John Feder

As the clock strikes 8.33am on Thursday, a peculiar crowd will emerge on the platforms of Sydney’s Central station.

Dozens of performers and hundreds of fans in white studded jumpsuits, electric-coloured scarves and shiny aviators will flood the station, desperate to board the Elvis Express and chug off to the annual Parkes Elvis Festival.

Among them will be Kiwi tribute performer Johnny Angel, who has been dressing up as his idol for close to a decade yet treats every performance like it is his first.

“I still get the pre-show jitters and love the rush that comes with performing as someone who I ­admired so much on stage,” said Mr Angel, who’s also known as Pacific Elvis.

It’s Mr Angel’s favourite week of the year.

“I’m always so honoured to perform as my idol and to see the smiles on people’s faces when they watch. To have them sing along with me and join in on the fun is always the best feeling,” the passionate rocker said.

“Having people travel all around to come and celebrate at the festival is always so amazing to see, and for me to be a part of it … I’m forever grateful.

“This will be my seventh time attending the Parkes Elvis Festival and I love it every year. I haven’t been booed yet in the years I’ve done this, so I’m taking that as a good sign.”

The 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival runs until Sunday, with this year’s theme being the 1957 Elvis film Jailhouse Rock.

It is predicted that more than 25,000 die-hard Elvis fans will be in attendance, with popular events happening including the Northparkes Mines Street Parade, Renewal of Vows ceremony, the iconic festival markets, with performances happening on the Memphis Stage and the Cooke Park Main Stage.

Mr Angel said the way he connects to the iconic musician and actor is through their shared love of family.

“Just the way he loved his family and how he loved his mum, it reflected on my life and how much I love my own family,” he said.

“It really helped me to connect with him in a way that wasn’t just through his music or stage presence. It was how he was off the stage, how he spoke and interacted with people that really resonated with me.”

Having been exposed to the King’s music and films at a young age by his parents, Mr Angel has spent many years refining his performances and is thrilled to be carrying on the King’s legacy across Australia and New Zealand.

Seeing the sea of Elvis fans boarding the train to the festival is something NSW TrainLink chief executive Dale Merrick is looking forward to the most.

“(I’m) incredibly excited and as always excited to see the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express playing a key role in the iconic Parkes Festival in its 31st year,” he told The Australian.

“We’ve partnered with the Parkes Festival for a number of years and this particular dedicated train has run for over two ­decades.”

While it’s been confirmed that there will be no special mention of Priscilla Presley’s upcoming film, The Vegas Legends tributes will mention the late Tina Turner who passed away in May last year.