I have heard all about the Parkes Elvis Festival, which is run by my friends at NSW Pinup Pageant and Viva La Vintage. The Parkes is one of a series of events held in conjunction with other events like the Elvis Festival. The pageant is performance-based and allows for a wide range of styles.
The pageant proudly promotes confidence, self-awareness, and equality and is open and accessible to all. Recent events at Beechworth show us exactly how inclusivity works. The pageant and the festival celebrate the fashion and music of another era (I’m too young to remember much) with a modern vibrant spin.
Born to Rock
The 2023 event is themed on the famed Blue Hawaii movie from 1961. This is a great opportunity to be inspired and join in with the amazing rockabilly & vintage community. If I don’t see at least one Tiki performance I’ll be very disappointed.
See the NSW Pinup Pageants at the following locations.
Friday
A Night in Blue Cabaret Show – 8pm Parkes Golf Club
Saturday
Northparkes Mines Street Parade – 10am
Parkes Services Club (downstairs) – 1.15pm – 7.30pm
Fashion Parade – 1.45pm Memphis Stage
Sunday
Crowning of NSW Pinup Pageant Heat 1 – 10.30am Parkes Services Club
Elvis Festival 30th Year in 2023
The Festival attracts 24,000 fans and is one of the largest in Australia. Held in January (in 40+ weather phew) to coincide with Elvis Presley’s birthday. the 2023 Festival will be held 4-8 January and will celebrate its 30th year. Accommodation is normally booked out well in advance and you may have to stay outside of town. For the pageant competitors, there are local options.
Blue Hawaii Inspiration
Elvis’ Blue Hawaii film is based on his character being released from the army and eager to return to Hawaii. Despite his mother wanting him to follow in the family business, he prefers to spend time with his beach friends, and his girlfriend and surfer friends.
Tiki Fashion
Tiki fashion is a style of clothing that was inspired by tiki culture. Tiki culture is a style of living that originates from the Polynesian islands, specifically Hawaii. The tiki trend first became popular in America during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Menswear during this time consisted of Hawaiian shirts, cargo shorts, and sandals. For women, the tiki trend was all about the wriggle dress.
This type of dress was tight-fitting and often had a floral print. The tiki trend eventually died out in the 1960s, but it has recently made a comeback in recent years. Today, you can find tiki-inspired clothing at many retailers. If you’re looking to embrace the tiki lifestyle, start with your wardrobe for the Parkes Elvis Festival.
Tiki Accessories
Parkes Elvis Festival has to inspire Tiki fashion accessories. These are all about having fun and embracing your inner beach bum. Whether you’re rocking a flowy maxi dress or a ruffled bikini, tiki accessories are the perfect way to add a touch of paradise to your look. Bangles, bracelets, and hair accessories adorned with tiki idols, bamboo, and florals are essential for giving off those laid-back island vibes. And of course, no tiki outfit is complete without a colourful lei.
Whether you choose a classic plumeria lei or one made of fresh gardenias, hibiscus, and other tropical blooms, it’s sure to add a touch of aloha to your look. So whether you’re headed to the beach or just dreaming of sunny skies, tiki fashion is the perfect way to let your summer style shine.
Come to Parkes Elvis Festival
Other reasons to come to the festival is to see ‘The Dish’, a giant radio telescope that played an integral part in the Moon landings. Apparently the Parkes Elvis Festival comes in at number two. There is also Lake Cargelligo a beautiful waterway for kayaking, waterskiing, fishing, sailing and spotting protected black swans. Peak Hill is home to a heritage open-cut gold mine and fossils from the age of the dinosaurs. The Henry Parkes Centre houses four fascinating museums, including the King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit, dedicated to Elvis Presley.
