3 of the many ...

The organisers of the 3 day "Elvis Extravaganza" Peter and Harriet were delighted with the turnout and enthusiasm of the fans which attended - even the hotel guests staying at the Melia Hotel had an unexpected surprise! Literally everywhere you turned you would bump into an Elvis look alike - some good and some .... but all with the uniform quiff, sideburns, loud "I need my sunglasses" clothing and passion.
Elvis Tribute Artists from across Europe made their way to Benidorm where they were rapturously received by the dedicated Elvis fans, singing all "The Kings" classic hits - which even if you are not an Elvis fan will still know and recognize.

Spanish Elvis competition at Showboat

There were individual events going on across all the days at either the Melia Hotel, Rachels Bar or the Showboat starting from noon and not finishing until 4am with the Aftershow Parties - these fans certainly know how to have a good time!
On Saturday afternoon at the Showboat, Spanish television cameras were there to record the final of the Spanish Elvis competition which was won by Jose Sanabria from Murcia. There were 6 performers which had made it through to the final - one even travelled all the way from Seville! The winner will be performing at the Porthcawl Elvis Festival this September in front of 30,000 fans.

Elvis on stage in white

The weather couldn't have been any better and many enjoyed the location of the outside stage next to the pool of the Melia, soaking up the sun, music and atmosphere in equal measures. I even spoke to some of the ITV Benidorm cast there, having a relaxing break, not realizing that the place had become "Gracelands" for the weekend! Was Derren there penciling a 6th series.... my lips are sealed!

Elvis at the bar

The date of next years Benidorm Elvis Festival has already been released - 12-14th April 2013. If you can't wait till then the Porthcawl Festival takes place 28-30th September in Wales .... alternatively pop along to the Rock and Roll House in the Rincon de Loix, just up from The Melia Hotel.

Elvis memorabilia