The Holiday and Travel Magazine

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Wednesday, 31 December 2025

Shake, Rattle and Roll: Parkes Gears Up for the 2026 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest

Get ready, Elvis fans! From 7–11 January 2026, the town of Parkes, NSW, will come alive as 21 top Australian and international Elvis Tribute Artists compete for the coveted title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist (UETA) on the Parkes Elvis Festival stage.

Australia’s Premier Elvis Tribute Competition

Officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, the UETA Contest is the ultimate accolade for tribute performers and part of a global search to honour the legacy of Elvis Presley. Across two action-packed days, contestants will mesmerise audiences and judges at the Parkes Leagues Club, with the winner earning a place in the Semi-Finals during Elvis Week in Memphis, Tennessee.

Meet the Contestants

New South Wales stars include Maria Phillips – Platinum Elvis from Balgowlah, Australia’s leading female ETA, and Bill Pat – Elvis Top of the Bill from Killara, known for his dynamic stage presence. Victoria boasts talent such as Sean Spiteri – Aintree, a two-time Memphis representative, and Joe Ozzimo – Ozzi Elvis, a Parkes favourite with a powerful voice. Queensland brings seasoned performers like Brendon Chase – Paradise Point and rising talents such as Brad Nisbet – Dean Justice from Runaway Bay. South Australia, Western Australia, New Zealand, and even Japan’s Toki Toyokazu – TOKI will showcase their unique interpretations of Elvis across all his iconic eras.

Festival Highlights

The Parkes Elvis Festival attracts over 25,000 fans annually, making it the largest congregation of Elvis enthusiasts in the Southern Hemisphere. The 2026 festival, themed Love Me Tender, promises a spectacular lineup including the Evolution Mining Street Parade, NSW TrainLink Elvis Express, Disco Inferno 2026 Wall of Fame Concert, and electrifying performances on the Cooke Park Main Stage and Memphis Stage.

Whether you’re a lifelong Elvis fan or discovering The King for the first time, Parkes in January 2026 is the place to celebrate the music, style, and spirit of Elvis Presley.

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

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