Wearing bedazzled white jumpsuits, rockabilly skirts and bouffant wigs, 185 Elvis Presley fans departed Sydney’s Central Station last week aboard the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express, rockin’ and rollin’ all the way to Parkes.
Regional Transport and Roads minister Sam Farraway said since 2004, NSW TrainLink has been supporting the region’s Elvis Presley festival with a specially branded XPT for the return journey to and from the iconic festival in the state’s central west.
“I’m proud to announce the NSW Government has committed to running the Elvis Express for a further three years to support Parkes Elvis Festival, a multi-award-winning event which is a significant tourism drawcard,” he said.
“This year’s 30th annual festival, held from January 4-8, once again attracted fans of the King of Rock and Roll from all over the globe, providing welcome boost to our regional economy in the wake of the recent weather and flooding events.
“More than 24,000 Elvis fans travelled to Parkes and surrounding areas over the four-day event. The Express is an experience from start to finish with themed departure celebrations and entertainment, onboard festivities and much more.
“This annual train service allows customers to sit back and enjoy the trip while our NSW TrainLink team do the driving.”
Held every year in the second week of January to coincide with Elvis Presley’s birthday, the event is recognised as one of the top three festivals and events in Australia and is officially endorsed by the estate of Elvis Presley.
The even received $243,500 in funding from the NSW Government.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the boost from Round Two of the Regional Events Acceleration Fund would help the festival build on its success as one of the largest events in regional NSW.
“With the biggest names in Australian rock and roll, vibrant costumes and music memorabilia it’s easy to see why the crowds can’t stop falling in love with the Parkes Elvis Festival,” he said.
“In its 30th year this new funding has taken the festival to the next level, supporting the cost of high-profile artists and activities across the event and assisting efforts to improve accessibility so even more fans can flock to Parkes.”
Mr Toole said the Regional Events Acceleration Fund is supporting the growth of existing regional events and attracting new major domestic and international events to regional NSW.
“The fund has already supported more than 100 events and attracted an estimated one million visitors to the regions.”
The $40 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is part of the $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.
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