'Jeanette' Diner Style Dress by Lindybop for Porthcawl Elvis Festival

Elvis festivals pop up all over the world, but we're lucky in South Wales to have one of the biggest right on our doorstep, at the seaside resort of Porthcawl.  Held at the end of September over three days, the Porthcawl Elvis Festival welcomes thousands of visitors each year to its programme of events, including tribute shows at the Grand Pavilion, and fringe events happening all across town.  Pop-up stalls offer any Elvis merchandise you can dream up, and everywhere you look there are Elvises!

We headed down on the Sunday afternoon, on a gloriously warm Autumn day, and of course I had to wear something fitting - I chose the 'Jeanette' dress by Lindybop, in the red colour way with contrast black pockets, collar, and heart shape buttons.

Many of the main shows at the Grand Pavilion sell out in advance, but if you head to the pleasure ground at Coney Beach, the Hi Tides bar puts on all-day Elvis tribute acts that are free to attend.

'Jeanette' dress, Lindybop

Bag, Bikini (gift)

Brogues, Shucrazy on Ebay

Sunglasses, Dorothy Perkins

Porthcawl itself is worth a visit if you happen to be in the area.  The Grand Pavilion often puts on events, from evening shows to afternoon tea-dances, and there's an interesting mix of architecture along the seafront, including lots of 1930's homes and Art Deco inspired hotels.  The main 'beach' alongside the town is rocky, but a short walk away past the little harbour is the large, sandy beach.



People-watching is the main attraction, and of course the pubs were spilling out on to the terraces, whilst down on the beach there were donkey rides, trampolines and children defending their icecreams from the seagulls.  It's a very friendly environment, with coach loads arriving from all over the UK, but very busy and loud, and at times I did feel like I was in a episode of 'Gavin and Stacey'!



As for the nature of the tribute acts - Elvis's whole career is represented, from the Sun Studio days through the movie years and finishing with the Vegas era.  Sometimes the performers that aren't great singers have oodles of entertainment value and are more enjoyable than the good ones.  I am sad though that I missed the young '68 Comeback leather-clad Elvis - the lady sat next to me was keen to share her pictures taken on her phone!









It's a bit tacky.  But it's so much FUN and I defy anyone not to get carried away on the atmosphere.  I am quite sad that next year's event will be after my wedding, otherwise I think it would have made an amazing hen party!  Well, there's always the sister event in April in...Benidorm!!!

On a final note, I must mention that on walking along the seafront we happened upon a choir from West Wales, singing a Welsh classic, 'Calon Lân'.  We applauded at the end and asked them if they knew any Elvis, and found ourselves beckoned into their circle to help them with a rendition of 'Can't Help Falling In Love'!  It was a wonderful moment, though while my Baby got asked to join their choir, they didn't ask me...

Have you ever been to an Elvis event?

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