Parting ways with the Elvis Express Train after being crowned Miss Priscilla in 2023.
Nickyra Burley, was the Parkes Elvis Festival 2023 Miss Priscilla. Nickyra is a 19 year old Apprentice Hairdresser at Mica Hair Traralgon. Born in Sale and raised in Stratford Victoria. Nickyra is also a Rock n Roll Dancer at Lakeside Rockers, who has a huge passion for anything vintage pinup or retro style in hair and clothing. I have always been a big fan of Elvis and Priscilla Presley
Q. What and who were your influences growing up?
My first influencers were my parents who I used to watch as they danced at rock n roll dances. It was there I discovered my love for Elvis’ music and was inspired to learn rock n roll dancing, trained by Andrew Camp at Lakeside Rockers.
Q. When was your first visit and/or performance at the Parkes Elvis Festival?
My first visit to Parkes Elvis Festival was Speedway 2022 and I was amazed by the huge crowds. I entered the dance competition with Andrew Camp and we ended up winning the dance category. I also participated in the street Parade dressed in a chequered jumpsuit, with white gogo boots. Whilst seated on the back of a trike bike waving a chequered flag with friends.
Q. What was the path you took (in career/life) that led you to the Parkes Elvis Festival?
My passion for rock n roll dancing, dressing up and hairdressing led me here to Parkes. I first met my stylist Vicky Sheild at cooly rocks 2019. She held A Vintage Pinup Hairstyle Workshop that I attended in 2022. From that moment on we were convinced that I would be a good candidate for the Miss Priscilla Competition.
Q. How many Festivals have you been to/performed at and what brings you back?
This will be my 3 rd year in a row returning to Parkes Elvis Festival. I keep returning because of the overwhelming energy that vibrates from within the crowds and the friendships that we all create.
It’s a fantastic environment for my family and I to start The New Year. It’s amazing to be around so many people who also share the love of Elvis.
Q. What was your first memory of Elvis and what makes him so memorable?
My first memory of Elvis was at a Lakeside Rockers Elvis Dance, where I had my first dance with my beautiful loving Dad. Who now watches me from heaven continuing with my love for Rock n Roll and endeavouring in my passions and dreams.
Q. Describe the atmosphere that the crowds bring when you are performing on stage?
I have been told I have a natural stage presence and look very similar to the young Priscilla. The crowds become more engaged when I’m up on stage with Elvis Tribute Artists. I hear the audience singing with passion and all I see is an ocean of bright lights and cameras capturing the moment.
Q. If you had to pick an Elvis song that lifts the crowd more than any other what would it be?
After experiencing the Parkes Elvis Festival After Party, I can now say that Viva Las Vegas is the song to get the crowd up on their feet dancing and singing loud and proud.
Q. Give us a shout out to the people of Parkes or the Festival goers?
I would like to thank my beautiful and amazingly talented stylist Vicky Sheild. The totally cool Tony Fisher for being my Escort at Parkes. Shout out to Anne, Bob and Tiffany Steel for all there dedicated hard work and passion for making this spectacular Elvis event. My biggest thank you goes to my Mum, Family and Friends for all the hard work and effort that goes on behind the scenes.
This experience has been an amazing honor and a wonderful journey. It has allowed me to be a guest speaker at The Kids Foundation Charity Fundraising Event, Followed by a Charity Fundraiser Limo cruise around Melbourne. I joined the Elvis Tribute Artists On Stage whilst I was on the P&O cruise that I won. I personally received a recognition letter from Tim Bull Member for Gippsland East. I attended a live radio interview with ABC News. I was interviewed by The Gippsland Times and local Stratford Town Crier who published a story about my Miss Priscilla win. I also participated in the Maffra Mardi Gras Parade and the Sale Christmas Parade promoting Parkes Elvis Festival. I recently attended the preview screening of the new ‘Priscilla’ movie at the Astor theatre at St Kilda Melbourne.
The advice I give to future Miss Priscillas is the quote the king himself once said “You’ve got to follow that dream, wherever that dream may Lead…”