Parkes Elvis Festival did not want to leave fans 'Moody Blue' in the wake of the 2021 festival cancellation, so organisers have produced Parkes Elvis Vision to get fans All Shook Up in their homes on January 8 and 9.
Parkes Elvis Vision is a series of videos that are a mix of retrospective, interviews and a look at some of the region's businesses and tourism offerings, that will feature on the Parkes Elvis Festival Facebook page and website.
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"The Parkes Elvis Festival is the highlight of the year for our fans so we wanted to keep them entertained in their own homes without trying to replicate the festival or turn it into a virtual event," festival director Cathy Treasure said.
"There's something for everyone - listen to your favourite performer, sing happy birthday to The King, discover hidden gems throughout the region and even learn how to create the perfect Miss Priscilla hair and makeup looks in a video tutorial."
The festival, which is normally in the NSW Central West town of Parkes, has teamed up with ARTC Inland Rail to bring highlights from the past three years of the ARTC Main Stage entertainment.
"The ARTC Main Stage is a highlight for thousands of our visitors and for those who haven't experienced a festival will get a taste of the entertainment that they would see," Ms Treasure said.
It was not possible for the festival's Elvis Tribute Artists and performers to be on the main stage in 2021 so thanks to ARTC, organisers are moving the Tribute to Elvis and Elvis Unplugged competitions online.
"With Semi-professional, Singing for Love, Undiscovered and Junior categories there is something for everyone," Ms Treasure said.
"Or you may prefer to perform Elvis with a twist and without backing tracks, then the Elvis Unplugged competition is for you.
"The competitions are going to be a lot of fun. They are only open to public voting, so we are encouraging our fans and locals to view the video performances online and vote."
Voting opened at 10am on Wednesday and runs until 12pm Saturday on the festival's website www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au.
Parkes Elvis Vision highlights will include: A happy birthday to Elvis segment, Elvis Wall of Fame, Public Art Trail, Interview with Taylor Rodriguez, ARTC Main Stage highlights from 2018-2020, a little more conversation with festival founders Bob and Anne Steel, Miss Priscilla, local icons Alvis and Jeff McClurg, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest highlights, make-up and hair tutorials, online competitions in partnership with ARTC where the public votes for their favourite Elvis Tribute Artist and Unplugged performers, plus things to see and do in Parkes and surrounding towns.