Street lights up for golden era of music
THOUSANDS flocked to the Surfers Paradise foreshore for the official launch of VIVA, a throwback to the golden era of music.
Elvis impersonators, showgirls on stilts and vintage cars lined the esplanade on Saturday night, with the crowd treated to a taste of what’s to come during the week-long homage to rock ’n’ roll, pop and rockabilly.
Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw said it was great to see a big crowd come out and support the event.
“We had a massive crowd, at the peak of the parade we had about 5000 on the foreshore at Cavill Mall, it was really well supported,” Mr Winlaw said.
“We only added the parade this year. After its success it will become a staple moving forward.
“It was led by the Army band, that was a great start, but everyone loved the showgirls on stilts, the cars that came through and all the Elvises.
“There was a lot of energy, everyone was rocking on.”
Mr Winlaw said it was a good start to what is going to be a big week of events and shows.
“This weekend was the big kick-off, as we move through the week there’s lots of activity in terms of music throughout the precinct,” he said.
“Next weekend we’ve got the Ultimate Elvis Tribute contest where the winner of that competition heads off to America to represent Surfers Paradise in the big international competition in Memphis.
“It’s family friendly fun and eclectic that really suits all age groups.”