Journalism of Courage
Hundreds of hip-shaking and wig-wearing Elvis Presley lookalikes and fans of the late King of Rock and Roll took trains from Sydney bound for Australia’s annual Elvis festival. In Pic: Mayor of Parkes Ken Keith poses for a photograph before boarding the Elvis Express at Central Station in Sydney, Australia on January 10, 2019. (Reuters)
During the six-hour train trip over mountains and through wheatfields and grazing pastures, Elvis tribute artists entertained their co-passengers. In pic: Elvis impersonator Alfred Vaz poses for photographs. (Reuters)
The festival, in its 27th year, is expected to attract thousands of people to Parkes, more than doubling its population for the duration of the four-day event. In pic: Mayor of Parkes Ken Keith (C) poses with Elvis fans from Japan. (Reuters)
The focus last year was on celebrating 50 years since Presley’s 1968 “comeback special,” an intimate and unplugged show credited with reviving his then-flagging recording career. In pic: Elvis impersonator Kingsley Rock (Reuters)
Street markets, lookalike contests, parades, a car show, displays of Presley artefacts and tribute performances are planned every year for Australia's Elvis festival. In pic: Elvis impersonator Sean Wright of Bowral (Reuters)
“It’s a must for all Elvis fans,” said tribute artist and Elvis impersonator Kingsley Rock, whose website promises: “If you want the King to sing at your thing, give me a ring.” In pic: Elvis impersonators board the Blue Suede Express at Central Station in Sydney, Australia. (Reuters)
Elvis impersonator Alfre Vaz poses at Central Station in Sydney, Australia on January 10, 2019. (Reuters)
