Parkes Elvis Festival Named Foundation Event By NSW Government
Published on 27 March 2025
Parkes Shire Council is delighted to announce that the Parkes Elvis Festival has been officially recognised as a Foundation Event under the NSW Government’s newly introduced events framework. This acknowledgment secures the festival’s place as one of the state’s most significant and enduring cultural events, ensuring its ongoing success and contribution to the local and state economy.
Under this new framework, Foundation Events like the Parkes Elvis Festival will benefit from long-term strategic investment agreements, regulatory support, and enhanced event assessment criteria, recognising both their economic and cultural importance. The classification reinforces the Festival’s role in driving tourism, boosting local businesses, and celebrating Parkes’ unique place in the Australian entertainment history.
Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, welcomed the announcement, emphasising the festival's importance to the region.
"The Parkes Elvis Festival is an iconic attraction and a major highlight on the NSW events calendar. Recognition as a Foundation Event affirms what we already know that this Festival is much-loved, brings people together, and delivers significant economic and social benefits. This new framework provides much-needed certainty, allowing us to plan for the future and continue to deliver this wonderful event."
The Parkes Elvis Festival is one of only six events outside of Sydney to be named a Foundation Event on this initial list, underscoring its statewide significance and pivotal role in regional tourism and economic development. The Parkes Elvis Festival attracts more than 24,000 visitors annually, generating significant economic benefits for the region. Other events outside of Sydney included in the initial list of Foundation Events are the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Bathurst 1000, Deni Ute Muster, Mundi Mundi Bash, and Bluesfest.
Parkes Shire Council thanks the NSW Government for recognising the Festival’s significance and looks forward to continuing to work with Destination NSW and event partners to deliver an unforgettable celebration of Elvis Presley’s legacy each year.
For more information on the Parkes Elvis Festival, visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au