As COVID-19 continues to keep the entire world All Shook Up, organisers unfortunately had no choice but to cancel the internationally-acclaimed Porthcawl Elvis Festival.
And while that decision may have us feeling Way Down, we’ve still got a huge amount of Burning Love for The King - so we’ve compiled some of our best memories from recent years to show why people Can’t Help Falling in Love with Elvis year after year in Bridgend County...
Viva Porthcawl! Taking a walk down memory lane
When it became apparent that this year’s festival would look a little different, the team behind the festival decided to do things a little differently. To keep the spirit of the king alive, Porthcawl Elvis festival will be publishing a book reflecting over some of the greatest memories throughout the years. Take a walk down memory lane and recall iconic including John Bishop’s brilliant stand up performance, BBC Wales’ radio documentary and University of South Wales’ colourful photography collection.
Time Out names Porthcawl Elvis Festival one of the 40 best things to do in the world 2020!
At the start of this year, Porthcawl Elvis Festival was listed by Time Out magazine as one of the top 40 most exciting things to do in the world. Ranked alongside internationally acclaimed museums, activities and events, South Wales’ king-sized festival is undoubtedly one of the best experiences on earth. Time Out described it as ‘utterly silly, unaffected fun’ and the best place to ‘let your guard down for a weird and wonderful Welsh weekend’
The Daily Mail reports as the festival reaches 35,000 visitors
Year on year, Porthcawl’s iconic festival only continues as more Elvis lovers from across the globe journey to South Wales to get a piece of the action. This was made no secret when the Mail Online published this article highlighting the staggering number (35,000) of fans that came to pay homage at the festival.
The Independent reports from the Elvis Festival in 2017
In 2017 we hosted Independent journalist Helen Coffey to come and experience the festival for herself, and she immediately fell in love with the atmosphere and people. Be sure to watch the video included in the article to find out exactly what she made of this unique gathering of Elvis aficionados.
Fear and Loathing at Porthcawl Elvis Convention
Back in 2016 VICE took a very unique look at the festival that they described as a ‘savage journey to the heart of the (Welsh) American dream’. Join journalist Oobah Butler as he meets the unique characters that make the festival such a special event.
Meet the Porthcawl Elvis Festival Hound Dogs
It isn’t just the humans getting into the swing - the festival also has its own costume competition to crown the best dressed doggies. Here’s an article from Wales Online that looks at the best ‘Presley’ pugs of 2017.
A little less conversation, a little more jogging please
Imagine heading out on your weekly jog only to be accompanied by a flock of bejewelled Elvis impersonators. Here in Porthcawl, that’s the type of colourful king-themed celebration you’re likely to find. Back in 2018, the local parkrun hosted their weekly 5k with a twist, all participants were encouraged to grab their white flares and sunglasses and hit the seaside route as part of the annual Elvis Festival celebrations.
Check out some of the incredible drone footage that was captured:
