Seaside Elvis festival cancelled due to pandemic
ORGANISERS have called off this year’s official Porthcawl Elvis Festival shows, but local venues may still pay tribute to the King if coronavirus restrictions allow.
The annual festival typically sees tens of thousands of Elvis lookalikes descending on the seaside town for a three-day celebration of music.
This year it was scheduled to take place on September 25-27, but the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has scuppered plans for the event’s official shows at Porthcawl’s Grand Pavilion.
The decision comes as Bridgend County Borough Council and Awen Cultural Trust have agreed to reschedule or cancel all events due to take place through September 2020 at its Porthcawl venues.
A spokesman for the council told Wales Online: “The decision, which follows the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, has been taken to protect residents and visitors alike.
“It will affect matches organised by the Welsh Wrestling Tour 2020, concerts by Toploader and Goldie Lookin Chain, and events held as part of the annual Elvis Festival.”
However, festival organisers say that whether other Elvis-themed events will take place depends on what coronavirus restrictions are eased beforehand.
“We are still waiting for clarity from the Welsh Government as to when venues will be allowed to open with live music,” organisers said in a statement.
“When that position is known, individual venues can then decide if they will be able to stage shows.”