Elvis Revival Inc (ERI)

In the early years, ERI raised money to run the Festival with lamington drives, white elephant stalls, car rally’s, raffles, pet shows, sold memorabilia and held events on the anniversary of Elvis’ death in August.

In 1995, ERI built the Elvis Wall of Fame at Kelly Reserve which was extended some years later.

In the early 2000’s, ERI worked growing the town’s accommodation capacity by instigating Tent City (which is now called Graceland on the Green) and in the following years initiated and ran the Home Hosting program.

It was around 2004 that Elvis Central opened its doors and in 2007 several events were launched including the Elvis Poets’ Breakfast, Renewal of Vows, Elvis Golf Day and Miss Priscilla Dinner that are still popular today.

In 2005, ERI helped fund improvements to the Elvis Gospel Service which had outgrown the Uniting Church relocating to the Big W carpark.

In a joint effort with Council, ERI helped fund a dedicated Festival Manager in 2007. 

As the Festival grew, so did the demands on the volunteer committee. In 2014, it was handed over to Parkes Shire Council to manage. A Section 355 Committee was convened in 2014 and a full time Festival Director was employed and supported by Council to deliver the program, marketing, logistics and infrastructure for the event.


In 2018, ERI continued to enhance the Festival when they partnered with Parkes Shire Council to commission a larger-than-life bronze statue of Elvis that is permanently displayed in Cooke Park.

ERI dissolved in late 2022. There are many members that continue to organise key events, manage portfolios and continue to play key roles in the Festival’s success.

The Festival would like to acknowledge the enormous contribution that ERI has made over the past 30 years. Their efforts have helped put Parkes on the map, generated tens of millions of dollars into the local economy and created a Festival that locals and visitors will enjoy for years to come.