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| Neil Westcott, Mayor of Parkes, right. |
Q: Mayor Westcott, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. The Parkes Elvis Festival is one of the most exciting events in Australia’s cultural calendar. How does it feel to be part of this incredible celebration of Elvis Presley’s legacy?
A: Thank you for having me. It’s a real pleasure to talk about the Parkes Elvis Festival. To be honest, it’s an incredible feeling—both personally and for the entire community. The festival has grown beyond anything we could have imagined when it started 32 years ago. It’s no longer just a local event; it’s an international celebration of one of the most iconic figures in music history. As Mayor of Parkes, I’m incredibly proud to see how the festival has brought our town to the global stage, and I’m excited to see how much it continues to grow in 2025.
Q: The Parkes Elvis Festival has come a long way since its early days in 1993. Can you tell us a bit about how it all began and how the town has embraced the festival over the years?
A: Absolutely. The festival really started as a small, grassroots gathering for Elvis fans who wanted to celebrate his music and legacy. A few local people got together in 1993, and they decided to hold an Elvis-themed event. It was a modest affair, but the enthusiasm was undeniable. Over the years, word spread, and the festival began attracting more and more visitors, eventually turning into a major annual event. It’s amazing to see how much it’s grown, and I think that’s a testament to the genuine love people have for Elvis and the festival itself.
From a community perspective, Parkes has embraced the festival wholeheartedly. Our local businesses, residents, and volunteers are all heavily involved. The atmosphere is truly infectious. For a town with a population of around 12,000, we get over 25,000 Elvis fans descending on us each year. It’s a huge deal for our town, and it’s something that brings everyone together. The whole town becomes part of the festival—whether it’s hosting tribute artists in local pubs and clubs or putting on special events in the park, there’s no part of Parkes that doesn’t get involved.
Q: You mentioned the festival’s growth over the years. What impact has the Parkes Elvis Festival had on the local economy and the community?
A: The economic impact of the festival has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2024, the festival injected $4 million into the local economy, which is a significant boost for our town. The event supports a range of local businesses—from accommodation providers and restaurants to retailers and local artisans. It also provides jobs, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and encourages people to visit Parkes not just for the festival but to experience everything our region has to offer.
But the festival’s impact goes beyond just the economy. It brings a sense of pride and excitement to the community. Every year, you can feel the buzz around town as the festival approaches. People of all ages, from schoolchildren to senior citizens, come together to volunteer, participate, and enjoy the festivities. For us as a town, it’s a huge celebration of our culture and community spirit, and it’s something we look forward to every year.
Q: Looking ahead to the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival, what can visitors expect this year? What’s in store for festival-goers?
A: Oh, there’s so much to look forward to in 2025! We’re thrilled about the theme for this year—Easy Come, Easy Go, which is inspired by the 1967 Elvis film of the same name. It’s a great theme because it captures the fun, carefree spirit of Elvis, and we’re going to see that reflected in a range of events and performances throughout the festival.
There will be Elvis tribute artists performing everywhere—from pubs and clubs to parks and streets. It’s incredible to think that we’ll have over 100 performances taking place across the town, with tribute artists from all over the world bringing Elvis’ music to life. We’ve got some fantastic tribute competitions lined up as well, where tribute artists will compete for the title of Best Elvis Performer. It’s always a highlight of the festival.
We’ll also have dance lessons, art exhibitions, and a whole host of quirky events like the famous Elvis-themed dog show. It’s a fun, family-friendly event where fans of all ages can get involved, whether they’re singing along to Hound Dog or dressing up their dogs in Elvis costumes.
We’re having a special Elvis film screening event, where festival-goers can enjoy some of Elvis’ classic films on the big screen. I think this is going to be a hit, as it will give fans the chance to experience Elvis’ cinematic legacy in a communal, festival atmosphere.
And, of course, we can’t forget about the classic car displays. Elvis was known for his love of cars, and we’ll have some fantastic vintage and Elvis-inspired vehicles on show throughout the festival. For car enthusiasts and Elvis fans alike, this is another unmissable part of the event.
Q: How important is the Parkes Elvis Festival for the town of Parkes in terms of tourism? Do you see it as a key draw for visitors to the region?
A: Absolutely. The Parkes Elvis Festival has become a key driver of tourism for our town and the surrounding region. Every year, the festival attracts visitors from all over Australia and around the world, which helps showcase the beauty and charm of our area. People come to Parkes not just for the festival but to explore the local attractions, like the Parkes Motor Museum, the Henry Parkes Museum, and the King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit.
The festival also plays a crucial role in building awareness of Parkes as a destination year-round. We’ve seen repeat visitors who initially came for the Elvis Festival but returned later to explore our region more thoroughly. The festival has given us a real platform to market Parkes as a fantastic tourism destination, and we’re excited to continue growing our tourism offering in the years to come.
Q: Mayor, the Parkes Elvis Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year. How do you feel about donning the iconic Elvis suit to help promote this incredible festival?A: It’s always a fun and thrilling experience to dress up as Elvis! It’s more than just about promoting the festival; it’s about embracing the spirit of Parkes and celebrating something that brings joy to so many people. The Elvis suit is a bit of a tradition now, and it’s always a great way to show our community spirit. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter, and it helps get people excited for the festival. There’s something special about being part of such a vibrant event and seeing everyone come together to share their love for Elvis and the music. It’s a proud moment for me as mayor, and I love seeing the smiles it brings!"
Q: Mayor, you took part in the Library’s Storytime event dressed as Elvis. How did that experience feel, and what was the reaction from the kids and families who attended?"
A: It was absolutely fantastic! Getting to interact with the kids while dressed as Elvis added such an element of fun and excitement to the Storytime event. The reactions from the kids were priceless—they loved it! Some were a bit shy, but many of them were absolutely delighted to see Elvis in the library. It’s a great way to engage with families in a lighthearted way while also promoting literacy and community involvement. Plus, the costumes are always a hit! It’s one of those moments where you can see firsthand how special and memorable an event can be when it’s full of energy and creativity. I had a blast, and I think the kids did too!"
Q: What would you say to someone considering attending the Parkes Elvis Festival for the first time?
A: I would say—don’t miss it! Whether you’re a lifelong Elvis fan or just someone who enjoys a good time, the Parkes Elvis Festival is something you’ll never forget. It’s a unique event where the whole town comes alive with music, fun, and community spirit. There’s something for everyone, from the Elvis tribute performances to the art exhibitions, the dance lessons, and the quirky events. It’s a celebration of Elvis’ legacy, but it’s also a celebration of the community here in Parkes and the people who make this event so special.
So come and experience the magic of Elvis in Parkes—you’ll leave with great memories, a full heart, and a love for the King that will last a lifetime.
Q: Thank you, Mayor Westcott, for sharing your insights with us. We can’t wait to experience the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival!
A: It was my pleasure, and I can’t wait for you to join us. It’s going to be an unforgettable celebration of Elvis, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Parkes!
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