The 2025 Porthcawl Elvis Festival marked its 21st year in style, drawing huge crowds to the seaside town for a weekend of music, impersonations, and plenty of good-natured fun. What began as a small gathering of Elvis tribute acts has grown into one of the UK’s most distinctive festivals, and this year’s edition showed exactly why it continues to thrive.
As ever, the heart of the festival lay in its competitions and concerts. The official Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, pulled in audiences eager to see some of the best performers in Europe. The range of talent was impressive, with singers capturing different eras of Elvis, from the young rockabilly star of the 1950s to the Vegas showman of the 1970s. The attention to detail, from vocals to costumes, made it clear how much dedication goes into these performances. Even if you are not a devoted Elvis fan, it is hard not to be swept up by the passion on display.
Here’s a look back at this years festival with founder Peter Phillips…..
Around town, pubs and clubs hosted their own shows, and everywhere you turned there seemed to be another version of the King. That sense of playful immersion is part of the charm. Families mingled with long-time festivalgoers, and it was as common to see children dancing to “Jailhouse Rock” as it was to see older fans swapping stories about where they were when they first heard “Suspicious Minds.” The festival’s ability to appeal across generations is one of its great strengths.
The weekend also included a genuine surprise. On Sunday, Ruth Jones, best known for co-creating and starring in Gavin and Stacey, took to the stage alongside fellow Welsh actor Steve Speirs. Their appearance delighted the crowd, blending comedy with a clear affection for the music and spirit of the event. For those who missed it, ITV Wales will be broadcasting highlights this December, a nice opportunity to capture some of the atmosphere.
By the time the festival wrapped up, Porthcawl felt as though it had once again been transformed into a town-sized stage set. There is something both surreal and warmly familiar about seeing thousands of people singing along to the same songs, many of which have been part of the cultural soundtrack for more than sixty years. After 21 years, the Porthcawl Elvis Festival remains a celebration of community as much as it is of Elvis himself, and judging by the crowds this year, it still has plenty of life ahead.
