Porthcawl Elvis Festival: the return of the King

Every September, the South Wales town of Porthcawl gets all shook up as tens of thousands of people flock to a three-day festival celebrating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

What: This is the largest Elvis festival in the world, according to organisers. Thousands of fans throng the streets and venues of this seaside town every September as more than a hundred Elvis Tribute Acts (ETAs) gather to shake, rattle and roll. Throughout the festival, the town buzzes with fans dressed for the occasion: there are no devils in disguise, but there are plenty of 1950s teadresses, white jumpsuits, GIs, Hawaiian shirts, and a veritable sea of quiffs along the seafront.

There are more than a hundred shows held over the three days, including a full Elvis concert accompanied by the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, and ETAs vying to be crowned king at the Elvies awards. There are two main venues for shows, the Grand Pavilion Theatre and the Hi-Tide pub, but it seems everywhere joins in the fun, from cafes to fast food outlets – so there may well be a guy working down the chip shop who swears he’s Elvis.

Where: Porthcawl, a Victorian seaside town in South Wales.

Why: Originally set up as a boost for the town’s Grand Pavilion Theatre in 2004 , the festival seems to have struck a chord – some 35,000 people are reported to visit each year. Perhaps it’s because Elvis never performed in the UK, so this is the closest anyone will get, or perhaps it’s because it’s simply a chance to mix Las Vegas with the Welsh seaside.

See: Porthcawl is a traditional Victorian seaside town, complete with beach, promenade lined with a funfair, and a pavilion theatre. It also has a new marina (surely only a matter of time before it’s home to one or two Love Me Tenders…).

Beyond the town, there is plenty to explore in Bridgend County. Head for the hills or the coast: there are several beaches including one of the best beginner surf beaches (Rest Bay) in Wales. There are also several nature reserves (including Europe’s highest dune) and country parks, castles, and the Wales Coast path. It’s also home to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, a 14-mile stretch of secluded coves and stunning views running from Porthcawl to Aberthaw.

Stay: There’s no Heartbreak Hotel, although as accommodation can be booked up a year in advance, you might be a little disappointed if you don’t book ahead. If Porthcawl is full, Bridgend has a selection of hotels and guesthouses. Find accommodation here. 

How: The 20th Porthcawl Elvis Festival is being held on the 27-29th September 2024. For tickets and information, head to the official festival website, elvies.co.uk.

See visitwales.com for things to see and do in Porthcawl and Bridgend County.