the porthcawl crawl



Elvis --and friends -- Live! in Porthcawl

On the Saturday of the last weekend in September, the day I received the phone call about my Paris trip being cancelled, I was in the midst of a wonderful day bus-hopping to festivals in nearby towns.

It was the first time I had used the day-long bus pass available in different regions of Wales, which allows you to get on and off buses and spend time in different towns. For only a bit more than £6 I travelled to and from Bridgend for the 'alternative' food Feastival there and on to seaside Porthcawl for the truly rockin' Elvis Festival.

It was a wonderful day. The sun shone, the bus rode through beautiful Welsh countryside, and a party atmosphere prevailed on the ride back from Porthcawl. The Elvis Festival begs you to become a part of it, to don silly clothes and rock, rock, rock! One of the most joyous town parties I have ever seen, with shades of Grand Bend, Ontario in its heyday.



Kids entranced with Punch and Judy at Bridgend's Feastival



Only in Wales -- a leek toss, or as it was called at the Feastival -- a leek lopping



By the sea at Porthcawl



Elvis' and entourages in front of the Grand Pavilion



The South survives



More sightings of The King