Parkes Elvis Festival to deliver more than 200 Elvis and speedway inspired events

The 2022 Parkes Elvis™ Festival is returning to the regional town of Parkes, NSW for a festive five days from 20th – 24th April 2022 with more than 200 Elvis and speedway inspired events on offer.

The ‘King-sized’ program includes much-loved festival favourites Northparkes Mines Street Parade, Renewal of Vows Ceremony, Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner, free Cooke Park Main Stage Entertainment and Elvis Gospel Service.

Starting as a small get together between like-minded Elvis fans in 1993, the Festival has grown today into an internationally renowned phenomenon, recognised as one of the top events in Australia and attracting 24,000 fans.

The 2022 Festival will host new events, including a Speedway Exhibit of rare and classic race cars, meet-and-greet racing stars and virtual reality simulators. A Pin-Up Pageant will be hosted over three days of the Festival for rockabilly and vintage fashion lovers. For the theatrical, Sons of Sun is a wild rock and roll play about Sun Records, Memphis, featuring songs from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. For the first time, fans will enjoy four days of free entertainment from the impressive new performance stage at Cooke Park.

This year’s Festival theme is Speedway, dedicated to Elvis’ 1968 musical hit about a race car driver with a heart of gold. Festival attendees are encouraged to dress in theme. Think go-go dancing girls, overalls, racing suits and red, white and blue. Top Australian tribute artist Mark Anthony will also stage a one-off special Speedway Show to celebrate the Festival theme.

Festival Director, Tiffany Steel advises “this year’s program is bigger and better than ever. There’s a bunch of phenomenal free events, family-focused activities, outdoor markets, and special performances sure to blow audiences away.”

NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said that the NSW Government, through its tourism and major event agency Destination NSW, is proud to support the Parkes Elvis Festival 2022.

“If you’ve always wanted to attend the Parkes Elvis Festival, this is the year to make it happen.

“Join 24,000 other visitors and Elvis fans and help boost the visitor economy in and around Parkes,” Minister Ayres said.

“Every night spent in a hotel, every meal at a restaurant, drink in a bar or experience enjoyed helps the State's economic recovery.

“The Parkes Elvis Festival is a unique drawcard for regional NSW. It provides jobs, supports our events sector and brings plenty of joy to Elvis fans and anyone who loves a fun-filled festival.

“I encourage everyone who has thought about going, to head out to Parkes and celebrate the King of Rock and Roll.”

Highlights of the program include the Feature Concert Series which will see the USA’s 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion, Taylor Rodriguez, make his Australian debut with four shows performed across the Festival, backed by the dynamic nine-piece TIC band. Jeff Lewis host of the famous 'Memphis After-Party' at Graceland's Elvis Week will MC.

The Festival will welcome a host of other top American talent with links to Elvis and the Speedway movie, including a virtual Q&A appearance by Speedway child star Victoria Paige Meyerink, and a chance to meet in person Charles Stone, tour producer for the Elvis Presley Tours in the 1970s.

Australian music legend, and Platinum artist Brian Cadd will be inducted to the Wall of Fame. The singer, songwriter, keyboard player and producer will be honoured as not only Australian music industry icon for over 50 years, but a continued force that is sure to set next year’s Festival off to a rockin' start.

Adam Harvey, Australia’s most decorated country artist, joins the Festival line-up for Elvis Country Special, performing a tribute to Elvis’ many country music hits.

The preliminary round of the international Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest also returns in 2022, with leading Elvis tribute artists from Australia and abroad battling it out at Parkes Leagues Club. Officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc, the winner will represent Parkes in the Semi-Final round of the 2022 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, USA, during Elvis Week in August.

To celebrate the end of the Festival in style, the Parkes Elvis Festival will hold its very first after party on Sunday evening, hosted by the incredible Jeff Lewis.

For all programming and ticketing information, visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au