Sydney's central station transforms into sea of blue sequins

Elvis impersonators strutted through Sydney’s Central Station on Thursday, donned in vibrant jumpsuits, before embarking on the “Blue Suede Express” – an unlikely yet cherished annual pilgrimage to Parkes, a small farming town that hosts the renowned Elvis Festival, drawing 25,000 fervent fans each year.

As the train prepared to shake, rattle, and roll out of the city, skeptics may raise an eyebrow at the fact that Elvis Presley never graced Australia with his live performances, let alone Parkes, located approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) inland from Sydney.

However, for impersonator Taz “Funky Elvis” Dimtsis, any excuse to dust off his iconic bright red jumpsuit and pay tribute to The King is a welcome one.

“He thought he’d be forgotten, that’s the thing. And look at him, he’s bigger than ever,” exclaimed Dimtsis, swaying his hips in true Elvis fashion, as a fellow tribute act crooned Elvis hits on a nearby stage.

The Elvis enthusiasts, adorned with pompadours and sweat-soaked fake sideburns, eagerly awaited the departure of the train in Sydney’s muggy summer humidity.

Jenny Dollin, sporting an eye-catching costume adorned with glittering blue sequins, couldn’t contain her excitement. “When you get to Parkes, the whole town is just out there to meet you. Makes me cry,” shared the 45-year-old with AFP.

Parkes, a town of around 10,000 people, proudly bears the title of “The Elvis Capital of Australia,” a distinction earned since the inception of the first Elvis Festival in 1993, conceived by local restaurant owners Bob and Anne Steel.

This year’s five-day extravaganza in Parkes promises an array of activities, including lookalike competitions, Elvis-themed poetry, captivating art exhibitions, and numerous musical tributes.

As the Parkes-bound train departed Sydney just two minutes behind schedule on Thursday morning, hundreds of fans eagerly anticipated the Elvis-themed festivities awaiting them.

“We can confirm, Elvis has left the building,” declared the platform announcer, marking the commencement of this spirited journey to the heart of Australia’s Elvis devotion.