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

Anita Spring will be performing live on the Cooke Park Main Stage, Wednesday, 8 Janu­ary at 7pm and Friday, 10 January at 6:45pm.

Country music artist, and Olivia Newton John Tribute Artist, Anita Spring, will be at this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival performing Olivia Newton-John’s music with her tribute show “Forever Olivia”. Anita was Born in WA, her parents are both musicians, her dad was in the Troupadors with Jonny O’Keefe and her mum toured with local and international Artists including Bob Hope.

“I’ve loved country music from a young age, my parents were always playing and learning great music for their shows. I started writing my own songs when I was 17, I was signed to Universal Musical on a six album deal, my first single “Blink – stay a little long­er” reached No.7 on the ARIA Australian Singles chart” said Anita.

The idea for the “Forever Olivia” tribute show came after an Elvis Tour, An American Trilogy. “The Elvis Tribute Artists were encour­aging me to have my own Tribute Show and it came to me straight away, Olivia Newton-John. I loved her music and loved singing her songs and so I started putting an Olivia tribute show together five years ago” said Olivia.

Anita’s “Forever Olivia” show will take audiences on a journey through her biggest hits, from “Physical” to “I Honestly Love You” and beyond“My first memory of Olivia was watching Grease. I think the whole world fell in love with Olivia after that film was released, she was so beautiful and incredibly talented.”

2025 will be Anita’s fourth Parkes Festival. Anita said “I per­formed my Forever Olivia Show on the main stage twice last year and I am so excited to be returning again this year. It’s an absolute honour. This tribute show for me is a dream come true, I love per­forming Olivia’s music and I hope the audience can see how much I do.”

The Amazing Street Breakfast is a free event with food and coffee vans and outdoor dining with local shops and cafes. A BkfC l bi

Come and embrace all the 1967 glory of the Elvis musical comedy Easy Come, Easy Go at the Amazing Forbes Street breakfast on Friday 10 January from 7am to 11am in Templar Street, Forbes.

Just as Elvis Presley – Ted Jackson – a deep sea diver and night club singer finds sunken treasure in the last of the Hal Wallis produced movies, you can come and find the treasures of Templar Street, Forbes’ plaza style street with open air dining, plen­ty of entertainment and shopping.

Easy Go, was shot at the Long Beach Naval Station, the Santa Monica pier and harbour and in the Hollywood Hills, it fea­tured the title song as well as the Love Ma­chine and Yoga Is as Yoga Does.

On Friday 10 January, you can step back into 1967 with the acclaimed Sydney Swing Katz and renowned Elvis entertainers Paul Sun Duo, Elvis Roberts and Ray of Elvis.

While in Forbes enjoy the Forbes Art So­ciety’s Elvis Exhibition – Easy Come, Easy Go! The exhibition is open from 10am to 4pm every day of the festival 8-12 January and is at the Forbes Town Hall. The exhibi­tion is showing all art mediums, including 3D pottery and sculpture and Elvis themed works.

Getting To Forbes

Have you heard about the Forbes Shuttle Bus – running during the Elvis Festival? You can purchase an unlimited shuttle bus pass for $35 or pay $10 per trip. It saves time and you won’t need to juggle cash.

An unlimited pass will give you unlim­ited shuttle bus trips between Parkes and Forbes from Wednesday 8 January to Sun­day 12 January as you want.

All buses operate to and from the Cooke Park bus stop. Approximate travel time to Forbes is 30 minutes and the buses are sponsored by Forbes Shire Council.

Image credit: Farmpix Photography.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge Festival, running from 26 April to 4 May, as hot air balloons take to the sky in a stunning display of colour and excite­ment. Set against the backdrop of the pic­turesque town of Canowindra, this weeklong balloon festival is not to be missed, offering a mix of breathtaking aerial views, vibrant events, and a community atmos­phere like no other.

A Warm Welcome Awaits

The festivities kick off on 26 April with the Welcome Street Party, a fantastic evening to meet locals, fellow visitors, and enjoy the market stalls and live entertainment. Par­ticipate in the much anticipated BBQ Mas­ters Competition and pitch your BBQ skills among the region’s best BBQers.

As the balloons begin to rise in the early mornings and late afternoons, you’ll wit­ness one of the most visually captivating spectacles, as dozens of hot air balloons fill the skies, creating a kaleidoscope of colors against the rural landscape. It’s a sight to behold!

Festival Highlights – More Than Just Balloons

While the hot air balloons are undoubtedly the stars of the show, the Canowindra Bal­loon Festival offers so much more. Flicker Fest, a celebration of short films, will light up the screen, while wine lovers can in­dulge in some of the region’s finest at the wine tastings event.

Test your trivia knowledge with a fun trivia night, and enjoy the warm, friendly atmos­phere as the town comes alive throughout the week. Along with art shows, the bou­tique stores of Canowindra and the array of other events during the week – it is truly a festival not to be missed.

Friday, 2 May is set to be one of the festival’s standout nights with the Home Ground Sounds Live Music Concert. Fea­turing incredible live performances, this event promises to be a great way to enjoy the evening under the stars with friends and family. The music will have you danc­ing the night away.

On Saturday, 3 May, the festival will host a spectacular Street Parade that will wind its way through Canowindra’s vibrant his­toric main street – Gaskill Street. Be sure to grab a front-row seat for the parade, and then get ready for the highlight of the week­end – the Cabonne Community Glow on Saturday evening. Gates open at 3pm, so come early to secure your spot and enjoy the festivities.

The Glow will light up the night sky as over 100 stallholders set up shop with deli­cious food, handcrafted goods, and unique finds. Live music, entertainment for the kids along with an array of other activities will entertain throughout the afternoon and into the night. As dusk falls, the hot air balloons will take part in a glowing display, lighting up the evening sky – an absolute spectacle for all ages.

Convenient Parking and Camping

his year, we’re excited to introduce a dedicated parking area for visitors attend­ing the Home Ground Sounds Concert and Cabonne Community Glow. Located just a short walk from the Sports Complex, it ensures a smooth and easy arrival for fes­tival-goers.

Additionally, festival fans traveling with caravans will love the new camping area, conveniently located close to the Main Street – Gaskill Street, offering a comfort­able base for the entire festival. The area is available for 10-day bookings, so you can fully immerse yourself in the festival’s offerings without missing a moment of the action.

Tickets – Don’t Miss Out!

With so much to see and do, tickets for the festival events are available through www.123tix.com.au, where you can se­cure your spot at the most popular events.

Whether you’re attending a concert, the Ca­bonne Community Glow, or any other event that is part of the festival, be sure to grab

your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Why You Should Visit

The Canowindra Balloon Festival is more than just an event – it’s a chance to be part of something magical. From the stunning hot air balloons gracing the skies to the vi­brant local community coming together for live music, street parades, and the unfor­gettable glow event, this festival promises fun for the whole family. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time festival-goer, you’ll leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Mark your calendars for 26 April to 4 May and prepare to be dazzled by the wonder of the Canowindra International Balloon Chal­lenge Festival! For more information go to www.canow­indrachallenge.org.au

See you at Friday’s red carpet event on Elvis Presley Boulevard (out the front of Ray White).

Gail Richardson is a mother of two, a carer for her sister, a Property Manager at Ray White Parkes, and the owner and qualified trainer of Bartley’s Barkers.

Gail started Bartley’s Barkers with her first dog CJ, a Red Cloud Kelpie, approxi­mately 20 years ago. In addition to provid­ing one-on-one training in Parkes at her training facilities, Gail can also provide training via skype. Gail claims, “A dog is only ever as good as the owner is at train­ing it.”

“I also work with adults and children that have scare issues with dogs and children who have learning issues or are on the spectrum,” continued Gail.

Gail came up with the idea for the Hound Dog competition six years ago and pre­sented it to the committee as a concept that would add to the festival. “Elvis loved dogs and horses, so Hound Dog was an easy fit,” said Gail.

The Hound Dog competition will be held on Friday 10 January outside the Ray White Office on Clarinda Street. The competition features three categories: best dressed Elvis festival themed, best dressed owner/dog combo and best dressed Elvis jump­suit. Entry is $10 per dog and they can en­ter one or all categories. Dogs must walk the red carpet where they will be judged and prizes awarded. Entry forms are avail­able at the Ray White Office or by calling 6862 1900 and the cut-off time is 9am on the day of the event.