A Golden Ticket for a golden anniversary

Never offered before in the history of the Parkes Elvis Festival, 2027 will see the emergence of an all-access pass called the Golden Ticket. One ticket will unlock 25 concerts and Elvis events across the five-day program, festival director Brendan Shipley calling it the ultimate ticket package ever offered at the festival in a special promotion. And only 20 Golden Tickets have gone on sale. "It's a key to the kingdom," Mr Shipley said. "This exclusive release has been created for the festival's most passionate Elvis fans." The new promotion was revealed at last Thursday's Elvis Festival program launch. Ticket holders will move from intimate shows at the Vegas Theatre to signature concerts at the Parkes Services Club, feature concerts at the Parkes Leagues Club and both premier concerts with Dean Z and opening act Mitch Tambo at Spicer Oval. Much like the Willy Wonka concept the name suggests, Mr Shipley said he got the idea when he was at home and heard the famous Willy Wonka song Pure Imagination and its bell chimes on TV. He wanted to bring that similar magic to the Parkes Elvis Festival. The Golden Ticket is worth $1895 but is selling for $989. Mr Shipley said the ticket gives a group of people an opportunity to go see everything. "We know people are impacted by the cost of living so we wanted to offer this promotion," he said. "You can allocate it to friends and family." But any changes to attendees must be advised to the festival team no later than 15 December. Mr Shipley limited it to 20 tickets to test how well it would sell. Excitingly though, he said more may be released at a later date.