Pictured from left to right is Ros Bell, Rhonda Brain and Sherree Rosser.

On 11 January, 2025 founder of Paint The Town REaD (PTTR) Rhonda Brain OAM turns 80. Much to Rhonda’s delight, three of her octogenarian friends from her teachers’ college days, Jan Kay, Marg Price and Pat Deady, have all said that they are coming to Parkes to celebrate with her, Rhonda being the ‘baby octo’ of the group.

These three golden oldies asked Rhonda if there was any fun thing she’d particular­ly like to do. Rhonda replied, “I want to do something crazy!” Some people celebrate by jumping out of planes but Rhonda had al­ways had a secret wish and now that she is old enough to not care what anyone thinks, she said, “I want to busk at the Elvis Festi­val and we can call ourselves the ‘Four Oc­togenarians and the Easy Come, Easy Go Go Dancers’ (oops “singers”). I read in the Festival information, that in the busking, any quirky thing goes and I thought that is crazy enough for me.”

Before any of her friends could refuse, Rhonda registered for busking and is invit­ing anyone who would like to sing along on this momentous occasion, to drop by.

Rhonda and friends will be staring in front of NAB, near the statue from 12pm on Sat­urday, 11 January until they drop – not liter­ally of course!Being concerned that the voices of four oldies wouldn’t hold out, local “virtuosos” Sherree Rosser, Ros Bell, Barb Newton and the ukulele players, Coralie and Bob Gould and Kaitlyn Strudwick are the back­ing group.

Meanwhile, two Paint The Town REaD Sydney members, who were already com­ing to the festival to participate in the parade, and gather ideas for a young children’s book on The Reading Bug visits Parkes Festival have volunteered to join in. “These two are as crazy as me,” said Rhonda, “They want to join in with the busking.”

Parkes Dance Co.featured on the Memphis Stage in 2024.

At Parkes Dance Co., we’re all about pas­sion, teamwork, and creating unforgettable memories through dance. Since I took over the studio in 2022, we’ve grown into a vi­brant community with more than 250 stu­dents attending over 60 classes a week.

With an incredible team of five teachers, we’re helping dancers aged from 1.5 years to 18 find their groove and confidence, one step at a time.

The Elvis Festival has been a highlight for us since 2018, but in 2022, things re­ally took off, thanks to our Pro Rock’n’Roll teacher, Miss Gracey, we’ve taken our performances to the next level. Last year, our senior team stole the show by winning the group showcase, and our Rock’n’Roll partners were absolute standouts in their competition.

We’d love for you to come and cheer us on! Here’s where you can catch our perfor­mances:

• Thursday 9 January at 3pm, Elvis Train at Parkes Train Station

• Friday 10 January at 11:35am, Cooke Park Main Stage

• Saturday11 January in the Elvis Parade through the streets of Parkes

• Saturday 11 January at 3:15pm, Cooke Park Main Stage Showcase

Our 2025 Elvis team includes 40 dancers across three groups: juniors, intermedi­ates, and seniors. Each group will perform two routines including a high-energy group number and a classic Rock’n’Roll Partner dance, nder Miss Gracey’s guidance.

What you see on stage is just the tip of the iceberg. We started rehearsals way back in November, meeting weekly to fine-tune every step, spin, and dip. The commitment from our students, parents, and teachers is incredible. From late-night rehearsals to costume fittings, everyone pitches in.

So come along, bring your friends, and soak up the magic of Rock’n’Roll! We can’t wait to share the stage with our amazing dancers and be part of the energy that makes the Elvis Festival so special.

Thanks so much,
Miss Jess

The Gates of Graceland are set to be one of the biggest attractions at this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival. Find them at the Parkes Visitors Centre.

Whether you’re a devoted Elvis fan or sim­ply looking for an unforgettable event, the Parkes Elvis Festival promises it all. From Wednesday 8 January, to Sunday 12 Janu­ary, Parkes will transform into the ultimate Elvis destination for the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival. This year’s event brings exciting new features, long-awaited returns, and timeless fan favourites. This year the Fes­tival is celebrating Elvis’ 1967 film Easy Come, Easy Go.

The 2025 Feature Concert Series takes centre stage, with three of the world’s top Elvis Tribute Artists delivering show-stop­ping performances. This year’s headliners include returning favourite Cote Deonath (US), reigning UETA champion Emilio San­toro (UK) and upcoming superstar Riley Jenkins (US).

For those looking to soak in more of the Elvis magic, the Cooke Park Main Stage offers free concerts, shows, and competi­tions throughout the festival. Visitors can also explore workshops, vibrant markets, and many more activities designed to cel­ebrate all things Elvis.

One of the standout additions is the launch of the Gates of Graceland, a full-sized rep­lica of the iconic gates from Elvis’ Memphis home. Joining this is the brand-new Elvis Festival Story Wall, located at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre, which beautifully narrates the festival’s rich history. These two installations are open year-round, mak­ing Parkes a must-visit for Elvis fans.

Making its triumphant return is the Miss Priscilla Dinner, where the ultimate Priscilla Presley look-a-like will be crowned. The winner will become the face of the 2025 festival, adding glamour and excitement to the festivities.

This year The Parkes Elvis Festival will induct rock’n’roll legend, Frankie J. Holden, to the Parkes Elvis Festival Wall of Fame on Wednesday, 8 January at 10am.

Catch Parkes School of Dance Inc during their performances at the Parkes Elvis Festival, where they’ll showcase their dedication, creativity, and boundless enthusiasm for The King and the groovy spirit of 1967.

The rhythm of rock ‘n’ roll is alive and thriv­ing at Parkes School of Dance Inc, where the next generation of Elvis fans are learn­ing to groove like the King. The communi­ty-run regional dance school is set to bring age-appropriate, electrifying performances to this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival, themed Easy Come, Easy Go.

From energetic jive to smooth rock ‘n’ roll, dancers of all ages are immersing themselves in the iconic styles that defined 1967. With choreography inspired by the festival’s annual theme, the school’s rou­tines not only highlight the dance moves from Easy Come, Easy Go but also capture the essence of 1960s music and fashion.

Since its debut at the Parkes Elvis Fes­tival in 2016, Parkes School of Dance Inc has delighted audiences with their vibrant and creative performances. The school has showcased its talent each year, returning again with maximum energy and enthusi­asm in 2025. The dance school has also previously collaborated with Greg Page, Damian Mullin and Music Ariosa to host kids talent workshops for children and teens attending the festival.

“This year’s theme has been such a trip for our students and teachers,” said Cath­erine McQuie, President. “We’ve embraced the mod styles, colourful aesthetics, and swinging beats of the late ‘60s.”

Performers will dazzle audiences with costumes straight out of 1967— there is a scene from the film Easy Come, Easy Go that looks familiar—paired with dynamic routines that transport spectators back to a time of carefree fun and endless groove.

Beyond Elvis’ legendary hits, their perfor­mances also feature music from other art­ists of the period, creating a kaleidoscope of sound and movement that reflects the broader musical landscape of the era.

“Our goal is to inspire a love for dance, music, and history in our students, we are not just teaching steps,” said Catherine.

Teenage sensation Charlie Gaylard blew everyone away with his debut performance on the main stage in Cooke Park at the 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival, and he is back after a year of growth, progression and practice, and this time around people can expect to see something that will take it to a whole new level.

Charlie Gaylard grew up in the small Vic­torian town of Colac and always enjoyed the arts, when he was in primary school he would always partake in school tal­ent shows and anything revolving around performing. It wasn’t until he watched the Baz Lurman Elvis film that his passion for Elvis‘s music began.

When he was younger, his parents couldn’t take Charlie out in public without him wearing a superhero costume or put­ting on a fake voice, he was always emulat­ing other people and that’s how the whole Elvis thing started “I was simply fooling around and learning a couple of songs that I enjoyed never realising that I could take this passion to bigger heights. I never knew there was a community out there that en­joyed what I was doing” said Charlie.

Charlie spent a year and a half learning songs working on the voice but he never had the expectation that it would lead to somewhere bigger. The moment he re­alised that he could take it seriously was when he went and saw Jack Gatto perform at the Geelong Elvis Festival in August of 2023.

“I didn’t realise it but the night that I per­formed on the main stage at The Parkes Elvis Festival changed my life forever. I think back to that moment in time and it doesn’t feel real.”

“Whenever I’m not performing I like to do normal teenage stuff. Hang out with my mates, play video games and just enjoy life.”

“The next thing that I’d like to accomplish is going over to the States but winning the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition would be nice and I’d like to see if there are more possibilities to this industry. I want to do something that’s never been done be­fore, that’s my big ambition.” said Charlie