Mr Grant said the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government supported the annual celebration of the life and music of Elvis Presley because of its economic and social value to NSW and the Central West.

‘The Parkes Elvis Festival is a high profile Australian event that is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading Elvis tribute events,’ Mr Grant said.

‘As local MP, I have celebrated the festival with the Parkes community many times, and have even dressed up as the King in the past.

‘The 2015 festival will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the birth of Elvis, and Parkes will lead worldwide celebrations to mark this milestone on Thursday, 8 January 2015.

‘Up to 10,000 international, intrastate and interstate visitors are expected to attend the festival next year, contributing an estimated $7 million to the State’s economy.”

With Parkes soon being included in the Orange electorate after the 2015 State election, Mr Gee said he looked forward to the injection of visitors exploring the Central West region.

‘I encourage everyone to visit Parkes in January and join in this fantastic, colourful celebration,’ Mr Gee said.

‘The Festival is all about having a great time no matter who you are and where you’re from. I’ll be entering a float where we’ll be attempting to knock out ‘Blue Suede Shoes’. I can’t wait.

‘The King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit at the Henry Parkes Centre is a must-see for those visiting the festival, and with the famous ‘Dish’ just 20 kilometres north of town at the Parkes Observatory, there really is something for all.

‘With stunning national parks and country charm, Parkes is a great base for exploring our region and I have no doubt the community will show visitors wonderful hospitality.’

The Parkes Elvis Festival is held from Wednesday 7 January to Sunday 11 January 2015. For more information visit www.visitnsw.com/events/parkes-elvis-festival

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