A beach party will kick off the opening of the beach this afternoon from 5pm with a DJ, free barbecue and the screening of The Boss.

Then for the rest of the summer there will be beach volleyball, beach cricket and other beach games as well as a chill out area with deck chairs and a beach theme wall.

Everyone is invited to enjoy the beach and while the beach party is aimed at youth 12 years and over, everyone is welcome to attend.

The Parkes Elvis Festival kicks off on Wednesday and there will be a shuttle bus each day of the festival for residents and visitors to attend.

The cost for the bus is $10 one way or $35 for unlimited rides. The full schedule is available online at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au and at each of the bus stops.

Council has also planned a movie night with the screening of Viva Las Vegas at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre at 8pm on Saturday, January 14. 

Tickets are $5 and available at the door. 

Nominations for the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year (26 years and over) and Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year (25 years and younger) are open until 5pm on January 18. 

These awards will be presented at the Australia Day celebrations on Thursday, January 26.

Nomination forms can be collected from Council’s Administration Office or Council’s website at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au