Aussie Elvis fans all shook up

Elvis impersonators swaggered through Sydney's Central Station yesterday, boarding the Blue Suede Express on an annual pilgrimage to pay homage to The King.

The train shakes, rattles and rolls out towards the farming town of Parkes, hosting around 25,000 fans at its Elvis Festival.

Elivs impersonator Taz "Funky Elvis" Dimtsis said he would latch on to any excuse to dust off his bright red jumpsuit.

Fans had to wait for the train in the humid summer weather.

The first Elvis Festival was held in Parkes in 1993, the brainchild of local restaurateurs Bob and Anne Steel - its moniker: "The Elvis capital of Australia."

The five-day event feature lookalike competitions, Elvis poetry, art exhibitions and dozens of musical tributes.

"Elvis has left the building," the platform announcer said.