The weather may not have been fit for a king, but the rest of Porthcawl was in full swing for the opening of the 2005 Elvis Festival on Friday. Thousands of fans and almost 30 Elvis impersonators from around the world are due to converge on the town over the weekend for the event.
Among the stars of this years festival is the real Elvis' cousin, Jerry Presley, who is making his first public appearance in Britain to take part.
The organisers say its the biggest Elvis festival in Europe, firmly establishing the seafront of Porthcawl on the well trodden path of blue suede shoe followers.
The official launch on Friday was a feast for the eyes as quiffs of all shapes, sizes and ages came together to celebrate the start of three days of crooning.
Elvis' original Gospel singers, the Sweet Inspirations, are performing, along with acts from Dallas, Malta and "The Emerald Elvis" from Ireland.
 Elvis' cousin is in the building - Jerry Presley on BBC Radio Wales |
A couple from Cardiff will take part in a traditional Elvis style wedding, Porthcawl rugby team are taking on an Elvis XV, and to make sure no one is left feeling lonesome tonight, there is even an Elvis speed dating event.
Elvis' cousin Jerry Presley said he was always amazed by the fan base for The King.
"It's a phenomenon that we just don't understand yet.
"I know he's looking down on us with the biggest smile on his face."
International Elvis status
Event co-ordinator Peter Phillips said the event had given Porthcawl a real international status.
"We wanted to give the town a kicker at the end of the holiday season and put it on the map. We never knew this would happen.
"If you look at Elvis websites they all know Porthcawl. It's the place to be."
Festival Manager Steve Maitland-Thomas said the wind and rain would not get in the way of having a good time.
"The spirit of the festival will keep everyone happy. This is the friendliest place in the world."
"This festival is open for everyone who loves Elvis, whether they can sing it, whether they can dance it, or whether they can act it."
There are 90 events in 25 venues around Porthcawl from Friday to Sunday, when the carnival closes.
But if the whole thing is too much for you, one local pub is running an "Elvis-free zone" all weekend.
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