Events
A Wall of Fame to remember

What's not to love about Frankie J Holden?

In what was an incredibly special Elvis Wall of Fame unveiling this year that included a new location, a new wall, nine unveilings and cake - Frankie was the cherry on top.

And boy did he have the charm and cheek to match the energy of a bumper crowd that came out for the first event of the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival.

The event certainly set the tone for this year's, the 32nd festival with the biggest crowd in attendance since it began, festival founder Anne Steel confirmed.

And no wonder with a lot more space and spectacular surroundings at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre and the new Gates of Graceland.

"I thought it was absolutely fantastic," Mrs Steel said.

Elvis fans gathered in anticipation for the unveiling with Parkes School of Dance keeping the crowd entertained with their moves.

Town Crier, Tim Keith addressed the crowd before Charlie Oraha performed the Welcome to Country.

Kelly Hendry, on behalf NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development also addressed the crowd recalling her first Parkes Elvis Festival.

"I've been to many festivals for 20 plus years now and to see the growth of the festival has just been phenomenal," Mrs Hendry said.

"My first festival that I went to, there was actually less people at the festival than there is at this event today.

"To see the growth and the impact that that's had, not just on Parkes but the whole Central West region has just been enormous."

The new Gates of Graceland was officially opened, with founders Bob and Anne Steel, Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee and Kelly Hendry cutting the ribbon to mark the occasion.

Mr Steel informed the crowd of how the idea of the Elvis Wall of Fame started and why they saw the need to relocate the much-loved wall.

"We wanted something good and we got it, and I'm glad we've taken the stance to get it," he said.

Costing $376,707 thanks to the NSW Government, Mr Steel emphasised the work on the new wall and the Gates of Graceland were all done by local labour just like the previous wall, which the event has now outgrown.

"I'm sort of lost for words," he said in regards to its final result.

Dedicated volunteer, Cr Kenny McGrath acknowledged volunteers who have made a special mark on the Parkes Elvis Festival over the years - the late Peter McQuie, Karen Hamilton and Bernie Peri - before 2025 Wall of Fame inductee Frankie J Holden was called upon.

Frankie is the 30th Australian music legend to be placed onto the wall, and the first to unveil his plaque at the new wall on the Gates of Graceland.

He personally thanked all involved in bringing the new attraction to life.

"I'm proud to be part of the new phase of the wall," Frankie said.

He invited the crowd to be part of a "musical journey" with him as he revisited his Countdown days, a weekly Australian music television series of the 70s and 80s by asking them to raise their arms and sway and sing to Looking for an Echo.

This all taking place before he called for the crowd to repeat "we love you Frankie!" and he was soaking up every minute.

When he unveiled his plaque he said: "I count these guys as my peers, I feel very humble to be up on this wall".

Four out of eight of the previous Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winners also were invited to unveil their Hollywood style stars paved into the path leading up to the gates.

To mark Elvis' 90th birthday Mr and Mrs Steel cut the annual cake in celebration with the mayor, UETAs and the 2024 Miss Priscilla Leah Wheelhouse leading the song of happy birthday.

One lucky Elvis fan in the crowd, Shazza was also celebrating her 42nd birthday and was also sung happy birthday.