The Parkes Elvis Festival is experiencing an increase in international participants and diverse tribute artists. The festival, held annually in the second week of January to coincide with Elvis Presley's birthday, attracts approximately 25,000 visitors to the town of Parkes, which has a population of about 10,000.
International Presence
Toki Toyokazu, a tribute artist from Aomori, Japan, performs hits by Elvis Presley and travels globally. He noted the international camaraderie fostered by Elvis's music.
Rita Marquez, a busker from Colombia now residing in Gladstone, Queensland, is attending the festival for the first time. She grew up hearing Elvis's songs translated into Spanish and stated that Elvis's appeal transcends cultural barriers.
Diverse Tributes
Maria Phillips, a Sydney-based "Platinum Elvis" tribute artist, began singing due to Elvis at age three. She is noted as one of the few female musicians embodying Elvis at the festival. Phillips performs in the same key as Elvis but brings her own perspective to the performances.
Erica Gahan and her two sisters, who were introduced to Elvis's music by their parents, are first-time attendees participating in the busking competition. They are part of a growing number of women in the competition and expressed pride in artists like Maria Phillips.
Future Events
The 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival will commemorate 70 years since the release of Elvis Presley's film "Love Me Tender".