Australian town pays tribute to Elvis Presley

Sydney: An Australian town Thursday started its annual five-day celebrations to honour the 'King of Rock and Roll', Elvis Presley, on his 80th birth anniversary.

A special train packed with 400 Presley fans and impersonators who mimic the man who made rock n' roll a global phenomenon during the 1950-70's left Sydney for the Parkes Elvis Festival in New South Wales' Parkes town.

According to sources, over 18,000 visitors from all across the country will join the celebrations to watch hundreds of the impersonators performing at clubs, pubs and on the streets.

"We will have 150 separate events all about Elvis, including rock n' roll dancing, a photo exhibition, a renewal of marriage vows chapel where an Elvis will renew couples vows Las Vegas style," festival spokesperson Emily Mann told Xinhua.

"There's even an edible Elvis art exhibition made of cakes showing Elvis in various poses from different stages of his life," Mann said.

Presley has been one of the legendary singer, songwriter of the American music history. He is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century.