Five days of incredible live entertainment fit for the King will mark the 30th anniversary of the Parkes Elvis Festival, thanks to a $243,500 investment from the NSW Nationals in the state government.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the funding 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,” Mr Toole 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.”
Nationals Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the iconic Parkes Elvis Festival would see the town’s population double in size and millions pumped into the local economy.
“It has become a must-see, must-do event for tourist from around Australia and the world. The government is proud to fund this outstanding event,” Mr Franklin said.
“We’re committed to ensuring rural and regional NSW stays number one in Australia, which is why we’ll continue to support events like the Parkes Elvis Festival, so that local regional businesses and communities reap the economic benefits.”
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.
For further information, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/REAFund
