Elvis embraced by the next generation as record crowds hit Parkes festival

Elvis Presley fever has spread around the world again after the success of big-budget Hollywood films, including Baz Luhrmann's 2022 Golden Globe-winning Elvis and Sofia Coppola's 2023 film Priscilla.

Parkes festival producer Joel Ulbricht said young performers wowed the crowds at the 2024 festival, which runs from January 10 to 15, in central western NSW.

He said some of the five-day festival's best performers were young Elvis impersonators including 15-year-old Charlie Gaylard who was invited to perform Hound Dog on the main stage.

"It felt like we were looking at a young Elvis Presley all over again," he said.

Riverina MP Michael McCormack was in the crowd for Mr Gaylard's performance and said he's "not old enough to have sideburns but boy, can this boy perform!"

Veteran Elvis impersonators such as John Collins were focused on "passing the baton" to the next generation of performers who are excited to zip up a jumpsuit and practice karate-inspired dance moves.

Parkes Elvis Festival would continue to promote up-and-coming performers with more competitions designed to cultivate young talent planned for future events, Mr Ulbricht said.

An estimated 25,000 people descended on Parkes for the 2024 festival bringing a $13 million economic injection to the local economy, the festival producer said.

The event started in 1993 with 300 Elvis fans attending a Parkes tribute concert and has continued to grow into the multi-day, multi-stage festival of 2024.

"For 31 years this festival just goes from strength to strength," Mr Ulbricht said.

Crowds turned out despite cost-of-living pressures with all festival clubs, venues and outdoor areas "jam-packed" with families and tourists, he said.

Widespread Elvis fandom has been a driving force behind the festival's success with attendees coming from all over the world to celebrate the King of Rock and Roll.

Impersonators from the US, Scotland, Japan and New Zealand made the pilgrimage to Parkes with thousands of fans.

And not just human performers were welcome. Dogs, able to balance a pair of gold Nautic sunglasses on their nose, were invited to compete in the Hound Dog awards.

The theme of 2024 was Jailhouse Rock and pooches turned out in force to show off their best striped prison costumes. They were sure to make the king himself proud.