More music, more dancing and more Elvis. In a mammoth of a launch on Monday, a king-size contingent of special guests and community members packed the function room at Hotel Gracelands for the official opening. Among them were Australian rock icons, the Emmanuel brothers Phil and Tommy, making a special return to the town they grew up in for the occasion. 

Ms Treasure announced the duo as next year’s inductees on the Parkes Elvis Festival Wall of Fame. 

Following speeches from Tourism Minister Adam Marshall, Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless and Parkes Mayor Ken Keith, Phil and Tommy stepped on stage to say their thank yous. 

The pair recalled their childhood in Parkes, thanked their idol Robie Porter (Rob E.G) – who was also present in the audience and spoke of their days growing up listening to Elvis.

“We’re all here because we loved his music, his music was timeless,” Tommy said. Then in a rare moment, the brothers played two songs together before a captivated audience. 

“The festival is back and bigger than ever...We have all your festival favourites returning, plus plenty of great new highlights, with special performances from world-renowned Elvis tribute artists, and not one, but two fantastic rail services to get you into Parkes in style,” said Ms Treasure. Among the new highlights is a midnight show at the Parkes Leagues Club on the Friday night of the festival. 

“We all know how Elvis loved his midnight shows,” Ms Treasure said.

The 2018 program is jam-packed full of hip-swivelling good time, including the headline Feature Concert, Elvis Gospel Service, the Northparkes Mines Street Parade, non-stop free entertainment at the ARTC Cooke Park Main Stage, Godsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner, and competitions. And for the first time this year, tickets to all Parkes Elvis Festival shows, across many venues, will be available to purchase online.

Tickets are on sale now to all events, for all programming and ticketing information, visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au