Classic Pop Icons

On March 3rd, 1960, Elvis Presley visited UK soil for the first and only time. The 25-year-old King of Rock “N” Roll stopped off at Prestwick Airport in Scotland on the way back from his two-year military service in Germany. Now fans are celebrating the 50th anniversary with a charity ‘Elvis Extravaganza.’

Danny Anderson, director of Zisys Events, which is organising the golden anniversary day, told the Evening Times:

“Elvis is one of the most influential musicians to have lived. Prestwick Airport played a small yet significant part in his life. I felt it appropriate that Ayrshire formally celebrates this anniversary.”

The 16-hour celebration will kick off on Wednesday morning with ‘Elvis’ landing at the airport in full military uniform. There will be a number of performers paying tribute to Elvis throughout the day, including local Ayr boys, the MacDonald Brothers, students from Strathclyde University, and one of the UK’s top ‘young’ Elvis impersonators, Lee Jackson.

Elvis signing autographs for fans during his Prestwick Airport stopover

Prestwick Airport Managing Director, Iain Cochrane, said:

“It’s now or never! You’d have to have a wooden heart not to be hugely proud that Prestwick Airport is the only place in Britain where he ever set foot. Fifty years ago he flew in for an hour and this Wednesday we’re delighted to revive our links with the rock and roll legend.

“This is an excellent opportunity to mark a unique milestone as well as helping to promote Ayrshire and bring together the travelling public, local people and fan clubs worldwide. We certainly are all shook up!”

I’m sure the event is intended to be fun. Let’s hope it doesn’t unintentionally turn into an unflattering mockery of the man.

Parking will cost £1 on the day and all profits will go to the children’s charity Clic Sergent.

Elvis was returning to US soil feeling some trepidation after being in the army for two years. He needn’t have worried. Within a month, he had recorded the hit album “Elvis is Back” and the worldwide number one singles “It’s Now or Never” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”