Elvis Presley fans throng to Graceland to mark 35th death anniversary

London -  More than 70,000 Elvis Presley fans are flocking to his Graceland home to mark the 35th death anniversary of the King Of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

In the culmination of the annual Elvis Week, there will be a 6pm-8am candlelight vigil at Graceland’s gates, followed by a special concert with surviving members of his band, including Bobby  Wood, in a 1,200-seat air conditioned tent, the Telegraph reported.

There will also be video footage of “the King” singing and his widow Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie will be taking part.

Presley died at the age of 42 from a heart attack on Tuesday, August 16th 1977.

Fans in his Memphis home can either light real wax candles or switch on virtual candles on a special Elvis Week smartphone app.

Songwriter Mike Stoller who, with the late Jerry Leiber, had written some of his greatest songs, including ‘Hound Dog’ and ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ is a guest at Elvis Week.

The memorial gathering will also be attended by thousands of his tribute artists (Elvis Impersonators), many of whom have been taking part in the sixth annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist  Contest.

And most - including the women - will be sporting his famous 1970s sideburns.

Also at Graceland will be most of the presidents of Presley’s fan clubs from all over the world - the youngest of whom is 13-year-old Isabella Scott, who was born 22 years after the singer’s  death.