Porthcawl

Porthcawl is a town on the south coast of Wales in the county borough of Bridgend, 25 miles (40 kilometres) west of the capital city, Cardiff and 19 miles (30.5 kilometres) south-east of Swansea. Situated on a low limestone headland on the South Wales coast, overlooking the Bristol Channel, Porthcawl developed as a coal port during the 19th century, but its trade was soon taken over by more rapidly developing ports such as Barry. Northwest of the town, in the dunes known as Kenfig Burrows, are hidden the last remnants of the town and Kenfig Castle, which were overwhelmed by sand about 1400.

Porthcawl Town Carnival takes place annually in July. A procession of themed floats and acts make their way around the town, collecting money for charity, and competing for the prize of best float. The procession makes its way to the carnival field where there are stalls, a fun fair and live acts to be enjoyed.

The Porthcawl Jazz Festival is held annually in April hosting a variety of musical performances, workshops and family events over a weekend.

Surf Cult runs for a week in September. Events include surf contests, music, art, fashion and film, and an outdoor market. The festival ends with the legendary Surfers Ball.

The Elvis Festival runs every September, attracts Elvis tribute artists and devotees from across the world, and is the biggest gathering of Elvis fans in Europe. The Elvis Festival was selected as one of the UK's top twenty summer festivals by The Times in 2008.

Other festivals include the Nottage Beer Festival, and the Porthcawl Sea Festival.

Bob's Holiday Rating 7/10
Bob's Daytripper Rating 9/10