TODAY it is 25 years to the day since the death of Elvis Presley, arguably the greatest rock and roll star of all time.

To mark the occasion up to 20,000 Elvis fans are expected to flock to Blackpool's Winter Gardens for a three-day convention, thought to be the largest of its type in Europe.

Fourteen hours of non-stop Elvis entertainment is planned every day from noon until 2am.

Special guest David Stanley, Elvis' step-brother, bodyguard and confidant, is flying from Dallas for the event.

A tribute show American Rock Giants scheduled for King George's Hall, Blackburn, tonight has been cancelled. Rossendale-based Elvis impersonator Steve Preston has been taken ill and is unable to perform.