Elvis Down Under Celebrates 20 Years with Tribute Weekend

Fans of Elvis Presley will gather this weekend for the 20th anniversary of the popular event, Elvis Down Under, at the Cosmopolitan Club in Upper Hutt, New Zealand. The festival, which celebrates the legacy of the iconic singer, will take place from October 17 to 19, 2023, featuring numerous tribute performances and competitions.

Founded by Cathy Finau, Elvis Down Under has grown into New Zealand’s largest Elvis festival and tribute competition. This year marks a poignant moment as Finau steps back from her role to focus on her health, handing over the reins to entertainment organizer Pacific Kings ProductioNZ. In a recent interview with The Post, Finau expressed her mixed emotions about the transition, saying, “I’ll still be in touch with everybody.” She reminisced about her lifelong passion for Elvis, noting her favorite song is “The Wonder of You” and mentioned her visits to Graceland.

Elvis Down Under has become a significant event for both Kiwi and Australian fans, bringing together a diverse group of impersonators and enthusiasts. The youngest competitor this year is just 15, while the oldest is 62, showcasing a blend of generations eager to carry on Elvis’s legacy. Kimberley McCheyne, one of the new organizers, acknowledged the bittersweet nature of this anniversary, emphasizing the importance of celebrating two decades of the festival.

The weekend will feature a variety of activities, including quizzes, a two-hour gospel performance, and an Elvis impersonation competition, which has attracted 18 participants this year. Among them, eight come from Australia and one from Rarotonga, all vying for a chance to win two tickets to the Cooly Rocks On festival, a four-day event on the Gold Coast next year. Dean Vegas, a well-known Elvis tribute artist, will serve as the MC for the event.

McCheyne highlighted how Elvis’s music and down-to-earth personality continue to draw fans. “At its core, Elvis Down Under is all about keeping the singer’s memory alive,” she remarked. With almost all tickets sold, the event promises to be a lively celebration of the King’s enduring influence.

As Elvis fans prepare for a weekend filled with nostalgia and entertainment, the legacy of Elvis Presley remains as vibrant as ever, thanks in part to events like Elvis Down Under that keep his spirit alive.