Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Lifestyle
Stephanie Gardiner

Parkes is jumpin' as the town begins to swing for Elvis

Tribute artist Darren Armstrong is performing for crowds at the Elvis Festival in Parkes, NSW. (Stephanie Gardiner/AAP PHOTOS)

Elvis tribute artist Darren Armstrong swivels his hips in a skin-tight jumpsuit, complete with gold trimming and baby blue bell bottoms.

"I don't know how Elvis did this, three shows a day," Armstrong told the crowd at the Parkes Elvis festival under the searing midday sun.

Sweat dripped off the smooth crooner as he ran through a set of the king's classics, including Suspicious Minds.

Rhonda Runting, Lynne Darroch and Vicki Schembri
Rhonda Runting, Lynne Darroch and Vicki Schembri travelled to the Elvis Festival from Melbourne. (Stephanie Gardiner/AAP PHOTOS)

The annual festival in central west NSW has begun in 35C heat, leaving many rock 'n' rollers breaking out in a not-so-cold sweat.

Melbourne friends Rhonda Runting, Lynne Darroch and Vicki Schembri almost wilted under layers of petticoats beneath their bright Hawaiian-themed poodle skirts.

But the women, who take swing dance classes together at the Alley Catz studio in their home city, remain dedicated to the fashion and fun of rockabilly.

"We're just so into that era and we love Elvis," Ms Schembri told AAP.

"By the time we've been here for four days, we've had enough of Elvis until we come back next year," she said, laughing.

The population of Parkes almost triples during the festival, which is celebrating its 31st year with a Jailhouse Rock theme.

There's no room at Memphis Motor Inn on the main street, while every shop window is adorned with Elvis paraphernalia.

Elvis custard tarts at Johnsons Bakery in Parkes
The population of Parkes almost triples during the festival, which is celebrating its 31st year. (Stephanie Gardiner/AAP PHOTOS)

Custard tarts dusted with chocolate in the shape of Elvis's unmistakable silhouette are flying out the door at Johnsons Bakery.

Twins Michelle Green and Susan Gorman, who had macaw Priscilla perched on her shoulder, said the festival was the highlight of their year.

"It's really lovely to walk up and down the street and meet beautiful people," Ms Gorman said.

"Everybody's happy - it's a really fun place to come."

Even the bird, who is usually known as Matilda but takes on the Priscilla moniker for the festival, gets into the spirit.

"She loves it," Ms Gorman said.

"We've had her around music since she was little.

"We take her everywhere we go, just like a dog."

Twins Michelle Green and Susan Gorman with macaw Priscilla
Twins Michelle Green and Susan Gorman brought their macaw Priscilla to the Elvis Festival in Parkes. (Stephanie Gardiner/AAP PHOTOS)

International tribute acts Taylor Rodriguez and Cote Deonath arrived on the Elvis Express train on Thursday to headline a concert series, while live music will spill out from the town's pubs and clubs for four days.

The festival brings in an estimated $13 million to the farming town during what is usually a slow period.

Annette Treloar and John Mineeff have been visiting Parkes for a decade and love to let go of their ordinary lives for a weekend.

Mr Mineeff wore a gold crown and a chunky gold chain over an Elvis T-shirt, while Ms Treloar's hair was a radiant shade of bright red.

"He couldn't walk around in Sydney looking like that," Ms Treloar said of her partner.

"We can have no inhibitions.

"You can allow yourself to have a really good spirit.

"The spirit of Elvis was amazing - he was so generous and kind."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.