Introduction

At Transport for Wales, we know that some journeys are about more than just getting from A to B - sometimes, they’re about a little less conversation and a lot more action. Every September, the traditional seaside town of Porthcawl is transformed into a rock 'n' roll paradise for the largest Elvis tribute event in the world.

Choosing the train and bus to reach the festival is the ultimate way to travel in style. You can avoid the “Heartbreak Hotel” of traffic congestion and parking restrictions, leaving you free to focus on the fun day out.

 

What to expect

What began as a local event to save the iconic Grand Pavilion has exploded into an international phenomenon, attracting over 40,000 visitors and 150 artists performing hundreds of shows.

  • The official shows: The Grand Pavilion hosts the festival's prestigious headline events, including top-tier tribute acts and the famous Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.
  • The Hi-Tide: As the festival's largest venue, the Hi-Tide features six stages and a VIP Marquee, offering a non-stop lineup of live entertainment throughout the weekend.
  • The fringe festival: Dozens of pubs and clubs across Porthcawl book their own impersonators, creating a vibrant town-wide party where many events are free to attend.
  • Quirky contests: It’s not just about the jumpsuits; look out for themed fashion contests and even the "Hound Dog" prize for the best-dressed mutt.
  • Seaside spirit: Between sets, enjoy vintage car displays, festival markets selling memorabilia, and classic seaside treats along the promenade.

When: The world's largest Elvis tribute event takes place annually starting from the third weekend in September. This year’s rock 'n' roll celebration is held from Wednesday 23 September 2026 - Friday 25 September 2026.

How to get there: While Porthcawl doesn't have its own station, reaching the festival is easy with our integrated network. Our trains to Bridgend station run every 30 minutes from Cardiff Central. From Bridgend, frequent bus services (like the X2) will whisk you directly to Porthcawl in about 20 minutes, dropping you off right in the heart of the action.

 

Travel smart and see more

Plan ahead: Always check the latest train times and connecting bus services using our journey planner before you travel.

Book direct: Remember to buy before you travel with us for the lowest fares and no booking fees.

 

Keeping our customers safe during events

Major events can result in more people than usual using our services. We’ll take extra steps to keep our customers travelling safely and reliably.