Scotland's first ever Elvis festival coming soon to Polmont

He may have died almost 40 years ago aged just 42 but the iconic status of the King of Rock n’ roll is still thriving among devoted fans.

The superstar is one of the most celebrated, influential and imitated musicians in history, the best-selling artist of all time with record sales at around the 600 million mark, while his name adorns every music hall of fame.

Around 600,000 fans flock to his Graceland mansion in Memphis every year, but now World Cup and European champion Elvis Tribute Act Johnny Lee Memphis – aka Jon Fleming – is bringing the magic to central Scotland in April, assembling eight other award-winning international tribute acts to perform.

The extravaganza is happening over three days at the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa in Polmont starting on Friday, April 8, with Jon promising devoted fans an up close and personal experience that covers the King’s whole career from 1954-78.

Jon (41) said: “The official Scottish Elvis Presley festival is a celebration of the life and legacy of the king of rock and roll and will feature a selection of themed shows from nine award-winning acts.

“They will perform their interpretations of Elvis’s performances at various stages of his career, while fans will have the chance to experience what it might have been like to see Elvis live on stage.”

Acts performing include, the man himself Johnny Lee Memphis, who will do tracks from the 1974 era; Juan Lozano (Wales), songs from the movies; Chris Kelso (Canada), GI Elvis/master of ceremonies; Pete Storm (England), 1969/1970 period; Paul Larcombe (England), Country/1970s; Simon Patric (England), the ‘68 Comeback Special; Martin Fox (England), The Silver King Show/master of ceremonies; Mario Kombou (Cyprus), Aloha from Hawaii; Ricky Aron (England), the 1950s.

The itinery for the weekend starts with shows themed around Elvis’s career between 1950-68, including the ‘68 Comeback Special followed by an after-show party with jam sessions and drinks into the wee sma’ hours for revellers.

Saturday’s line-up kicks off with a matinee then song requests from all the performers. The night is all about the Vegas floor show of Elvis’s dynamic Las Vegas years and another after-show party.

Sunday brings the festival to a close with some of Elvis’s lesser known songs and rare recordings.

Following his success as a tribute act to the King, Jon, of Coalsnaughton in Clackmannanshire, gave up his day job last year as a health and fitness officer with Falkirk Community Trust and now travels the world doing shows.

Jon’s reputation has grown across the globe after becoming the world champ in 2010, European champion in 2014 and finishing in the top ten at the Ultimate Elvis competition, ‘the Olympics of Elvis tributes’ last year.

“The line-up for the festival is one of the best you can get, they are all title winners,” said Jon. “Fans will be able to interact with all of us and fellow fans, take selfies and pictures and join in jam sessions. It will have a real personal touch for everyone.

“The venue is absolutely perfect for something like this and I can’t wait. We are hoping for a crowd of around 320 and ticket sales are going well at the moment.

“The price is about £20 cheaper than similar events down south and I am looking to make this an annual event as there is nothing else like it in Scotland.”

The weekend runs from 5.30pm on Friday, April 8 to Sunday, April 10, 2016. Tickets cost £79 and can be purchased at www.absoluteelvis.com. The wristband will enable VIP access to all events throughout the entire weekend. For accommodation, contact the Inchyra Grange on 0344 879 9044.