There’s a fair chance that you’ve driven through some failing Aussie towns at some point in your life. It’s a sad, unescapable reality that many of these once-thriving towns have been going through a slow decline over the years due to economic uncertainty, failing industry, and disappearing jobs. But, it looks as though some towns might find their saviour in an unlikely place.
According to an article by the BBC’s world news section, it looks as though music festivals could be what many of these towns need to bring their bank accounts back into the black.
The article specifically uses as an example the town of Parkes, a small community 350km west of Sydney which annually holds the Parkes Elvis Festival, which celebrates the life and music of Elvis Presley.
Having started in 1993, 16 years after Presley’s death, the festival has since grown from its original attendance of almost 200 fans, to a number that now temporarily doubles Parkes’ population of 15,000. In addition to increased tourism, the festival also manages to bring in more than $13 million for the community, all thanks to the enduring legacy of The King.
While Australian fans are already voracious for Elvis, with the festival attracting impersonators, tribute concerts, memorabilia displays, and much more, Australia’s fascination with ABBA could almost rival Elvis’ appeal. Trundle, in New South Wales, sees an annual pilgrimage for their annual ABBA festival, while elsewhere in New South Wales, fans flock for an annual Bob Marley festival held in Kandos.
While big name music festivals have long been a city thing, and regional festivals and concerts becoming more apparent, it seems as though niche music festivals and celebrations may be just what the doctor ordered for many Australian country towns.
