The Parkes Elvis Festival is among the first to be named a NSW Foundation Event.
The Elvis Festival has been ranked among the state's best events, with the likes of Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Vivid, Bathurst 1000, Deni Ute Muster and Tamworth Country Music Festival.
There are 14 iconic events in total - eight in Sydney and six in regional NSW - that because of this new status the Minns Government says, will benefit from less red tape in recognition of their importance to the state’s identity.
The state government is introducing a new events framework, announcing this the first round of Foundation Events, to provide more security and certainty to organisers which will allow them to innovate with programming, drive culture, connect communities and generate economic growth.
It will assess the social contribution and community benefits, as well as social and cultural legacy of events.
And it will provide additional funding opportunities.
Events have become significant contributors to the NSW visitor economy.
In 2023-24 events supported by Destination NSW alone delivered $1 billion in visitor expenditure for the state, according to the government.
"In classifying these events as foundation, we not only protect them but also ensure their ongoing contribution to the NSW visitor economy, support for local businesses and role as jobs creators," the Minns Government said.
The event framework also recognises long-standing events as Foundation Events because of their cultural and traditional significance.
Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott said the Foundation Event status was also an acknowledgement the Parkes Elvis Festival is "indeed" one of the best festivals going in the state.
"We're into our 33rd year, to have recognition with other festivals like the Mardi Gras and Bathurst 1000 is a proud moment for those who started the (Elvis) festival and those who continue the legacy," he said.
The government will assess Foundation Events differently, and provide additional support:
* They will be prioritised for a minimum three-year Strategic Investment Agreement with Destination NSW with renewals negotiated one year prior to the last event. This gives events greater certainty and room to plan.
* A more favourable regulatory environment will support events to maximise benefits for the community.
* An event assessment approach which provides greater consideration of strategic, economic, marketing and brand, social and cultural benefits.
Cr Westcott and Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee were delivered the good news about the Elvis Festival when they visited NSW Parliament last week.
The events included in the first round of Foundation Events are Bathurst 1000, Biennale of Sydney, Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash, NRL Men’s and Women’s Grand Final, Parkes Elvis Festival, Sydney Festival, Sydney Fringe Festival, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, SXSW Sydney, Tamworth Country Music Festival, TCS Sydney Marathon and Vivid Sydney.
The government said this list will be reviewed periodically, and more events will be announced in the future.
“These events light up the calendar, they have become part of who we are, and it’s time we give them the recognition and certainty they deserve," said Minister for Arts, Tourism, Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham.
“The Foundation Events framework gives these festivals certainty so they can keep producing these important experiences for us all to share."
There are three new event categories:
* Foundation Events are regular, recurring events that may grow in size and significance over time. These events are often essential to NSW’s identity and visitor economy.
*Major Events and Local Events.
Cr Westcott, Cr Applebee and Parkes Shire General Manager Kent Boyd prompted the Elvis Festival's application through State Member Phil Donato's office six months ago.