AUSTRALIA SET TO GET ALL SHOOK UP FOR WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT

Optus joins forces with the CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival for Elvis impersonation grand title

Aussie Elvis fans are getting ready to put on their blue suede shoes and rock around the clock in a bid to win back the Guinness World Record™ title for the ‘Largest gathering of Elvis Presley impersonators’.

Optus, in conjunction with the CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival, is rallying Elvis lovers to make their way to the Parkes Elvis Festival this January to bring the record title back to Australia after it was recently swiped by a group of impersonators in Las Vegas in November.

In 2007, 147 Elvis impersonators gathered in Parkes to sing ‘Love Me Tender’, breaking the previous record of 78 for the ‘Largest gathering of Elvis Presley impersonators’.

Last month, the illustrious title was taken by a group of employees who traveled all the way to Las Vegas, USA to break the record. A total of 645 participants performed ‘A Little Less Conversation’ while swiveling their hips and performing some of the most recognizable Elvis’ moves, and setting the new Guinness World Records record.

In order for Australia to win back the Guinness World Record™, Parkes needs just 646 participants to wiggle their hips like the king while in their best Elvis attire. This means just one additional person to the latest record set in Las Vegas.

Australia’s best Elvis Tribute Artist Dean Vegas will host the event and ensure the crowd is ready to shake, rattle and roll to the famed Elvis number one song, ‘Love Me Tender’.

Anthony Shiner, General Manager, Optus Country said: “Elvis’ legacy will be well and truly alive in Parkes this January as we get set to bring back the world record to regional Australia, where it truly belongs. Optus is committed to supporting regional towns across this great country and we want to make sure that places like Parkes and its unique Elvis Festival receive the commendation they deserve. We’re urging as many fans as possible to register and be part of this historic and fun occasion for regional Australia.”

It will be 34 years since Elvis left the building, yet an expected 12,000+ Elvis fans will gather in the Central NSW town of Parkes, doubling the population, to celebrate Elvis Presley’s birthday in January. Record crowds are expected for the CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival from 5-9 January 2011.

Each year the town of Parkes comes alive to the sounds of hip-swivelling Elvis Impersonators and Tribute Artists for the CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival. The five-day Festival is not-to-be-missed and features more than 140 individual events the Elvis Gospel Church Service, the iconic Elvis Street Parade and the Crowning of Miss Priscilla. Optus will also be on site at the festival profiling products and services including the latest in smartphone technology and wireless broadband.

The record-breaking event will take place on Saturday January 8th 2011 from 8.30AM SHARP at the Cooke Park main stage area where the Channel 9 Today show will be broadcasting the Guinness World Record™ attempt on the morning.

Anyone who wants to take part and help bring the title back to Australia should pre-register interest online at: http://www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au/worldrecord by Friday January 7th 2011. Last minute entries for the Guinness World Record™ attempt will be open from 7AM and will close at 8AM on Saturday, January 8th 2011.

Guidelines for the Guinness World Record™: Participants must arrive wearing complete Elvis costumes to take part and must sing the entire song ‘Love me Tender’ all at the same time (with the help of Tribute Artist, Dean Vegas).

A limited number of costumes will be available at the festival for purchase on the day or from Wednesday 5th January leading up to the record-breaking event.

All Elvis Impersonators at the Guinness World Records™ attempt will be eligible for the Best Dressed Elvis Impersonator competition for the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to visit Las Vegas staying at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

Optus Corporate Affairs
Ph: 02 8082 7850