It’s Now Or Never for Elvis tribute artists at ‘fierce’ European Championships
The competition forms part of the UK’s longest-running Elvis festival.
Impersonators of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll have described the competition at the 12th annual European Elvis Championships as “fantastic to watch, but fierce”.
The competition forms part of the UK’s longest-running Elvis festival, which includes live music from a wide range of tribute artists who don bejewelled jumpsuits to take to the stage at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole from January 5-8.
Chris Vegas, real name Chris Taylor, from Essex, told the PA news agency he is taking part in his fourth competition, which is held annually around Elvis’s birthday.
“With this place, you know you’re gonna get an atmosphere, you know that people are going to enjoy it.
“With pubs and clubs, they are going to enjoy it but you don’t know if they’re going to want to join in. This place, you know what you’re going to get.”
“The competition is a bit like two tigers fighting over a bit of scrap meat at the moment, it’s fierce,” he said.
“Fantastic to watch, but fierce.”
“I’m an Elvis fan since (I was) a baby boy and I remember the day Elvis died and I was just so, ‘Oh no, oh God’,” he told PA.
Mr Helmich said he was invited to the championship when there was a cancellation.
“A lucky reason,” he said.
“Even if I don’t make it to the finals, it’s just great to be here.”
Tickets are still available for the European Elvis Championships 2023.
