IT’S time to get all shook up when the inaugural UK Elvis Tribute Artist Championships and Festival hits Bournemouth next May bank holiday.

The Follow That Dream festival will bring together Elvis fans from around the world for three days celebrating the music of The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

World class Elvis tribute acts, known as ETAs, will battle it out to become the best UK Elvis. and much like the world-famous American competition, acts from around the world who meet the requirements are welcome to enter.

Alongside the competition there will be shows, interviews, cabaret music and dancing, creating an action-packed Elvis festival likely to attract fans of all ages.

Some of the stars performing in the showcase include the 2018 world champion Ben Thomson, crowned winner at the Ultimate Elvis official contest held in Memphis and backed by Elvis Presley Enterprises. Ben was toppled from his reign only last week when Taylor Rodriguez was crowned the new 2019 world champion.

Shows also feature Bournemouth’s own multi award winning Elvis tribute artist Garry J Foley. Cairan Houlihan, Ireland’s award winning ETA, Michael Glaysher who specialises in Elvis of the 1950’s, Juan Lozano, Pete Storm, champion ETA and Johnny Cash tribute artist, and Emilio Santoro, one of the world’s youngest and most talented Elvis acts.

The event will be compered by Mike Nova another celebrated Elvis act, with after show host Johnny Elvis. All the contestants and showcase singers will be supported by music from the Graceland Band.

Bill Blundell of Bulldog Promotions said: “We are excited about the first UK Elvis championships being launched in Bournemouth. There is a real desire worldwide to keep Elvis’s legacy alive. Although he passed 42 years ago there are dedicated fans and the younger generation too who are discovering his music. This event will also put Bournemouth on the map as a music destination.”

The event was officially launched on the anniversary of Elvis’s death last Friday with a fantastic show night at the Cumberland Hotel featuring Garry J Foley, and special guest Todd Slaughter, head of the official Elvis Presley Fan Club of Great Britain, who met Elvis on three occasions and was the last man to be filmed with the singer before he died.

Todd commented, “Our British fan club is going strong with many old and new members keen to observe the phenomenon that was Elvis Presley. We are excited about the UK championships and coming to Bournemouth next year.”

* The UK Elvis Tribute Artist Championships and Festival takes place over the May bank holiday weekend May 22 – 24 at the Pavilion Ballroom, Bournemouth. For more details, see elvischampionships.co.uk