by Kate Bryony
Elvis is feeling the burning love in Porthcawl today as 1000s flock to celebrate the King of Rock and Roll.
Shows and tributes dedicated to the King are at the forefront of the weekend but a big draw is the array of costumes from the visitors.
After a year away, the festival is back in full swing with fans flooding the seaside town from all around.
Joan and Jeff Jeys from Swansea have returned for their fourth year and have even been on a pilgrimage to Graceland. They said that last year’s absence was “disappointing”.
“We’re big fans of Elvis and it feels great to be a part of it. It was such a shame that last year was cancelled but now we’re excited to be back,” said Joan.
The festival is held over two days and is thought to bring about £5m to the local economy in a typical year.
Marcia and Steve Perkins think the area’s past has a big impact on what makes the event so important.
“It’s really important because of the heritage of the area. Workers came to Porthcawl during miners’ fortnight, and it adds to the whole atmosphere. Elvis is an icon. It was an escape for the working-class miners who came here to holiday,” said Steve.
The couple, who are from Bargoed, have visited the festival for 12 years, deeply missing the event in its absence last year. Sporting custom jackets, the couple return each year for “the style, the great music and, of course, the atmosphere.”
It wasn’t all human fans out and about today, however. There ain’t nothing like a hound dog dressed up ready for pictures around the prom!
