Elvis anniversary at Prestwick airport

Feb 26 2010 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

PRESTWICK Airport will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s famous stop-over visit.

And it will host a fabulous 16-hour charity show on Wednesday, March 3.

The mammoth show will feature singers and bands performing Elvis songs.

And there will be re-enactment of Elvis landing at Prestwick – this time on a Ryanair flight.

A special plaque will be unveiled to commemorate his visit.

Key timings include: 9.40am – arrival of ‘Elvis’, in US Army sergeant's uniform, aboard Ryanair flight FR407 from London Stansted.

11am –Acoustic sessions, with great covers of Elvis songs.

2.30pm – Live set with Lee Jackson, top UK ‘Young Elvis’ tribute, backed by his band The Train Wreckers.

3.10pm – Best Dressed Elviscontest and plaque unveilingwill take place.

The airport is inviting people to come along dressed as Elvis and the best-dressed lookalike will win a pair of tickets to one of its destinations.

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.

All proceeds raised will go to children’s charity Clic Sargent, who have a holiday home in Prestwick.

Show sponsors are: Prestwick Airport, South Ayrshire Council, West FM, Spirit AeroSystems, Zisys Events and Diva Music.

Ayr’s very own MacDonald Brothers will also appear during day, taking no charge, to support the Clic Sargent charity.