In an unexpected turn of events, two men on horseback attempted to order food at a chip shop in Porthcawl, Wales, during the town's annual Elvis Festival. The incident, which occurred on September 28, 2024, at 9:30 PM, was captured on video and quickly went viral on TikTok, amassing over 5.5 million views in just four days.
Gabe Godbeer, a 22-year-old festival attendee, witnessed the unusual scene at Finnegan's chip shop. He recounted, "It was quite a shock. The first horse made my head fly off, never mind two of them." Godbeer promptly recorded the incident on his phone as the second rider entered the establishment.
The video shows two men, one atop a black and white stallion and the other on a brown filly, maneuvering their mounts through the shop's entrance. Remarkably, the riders and their horses had to duck to fit through the doorway, highlighting the contrast between the average horse height of 14.2 to 17 hands (57-68 inches) and standard UK doorways at 78 inches.
This unexpected equine intrusion left customers and staff alike bewildered. Godbeer noted, "Everyone got caught off guard. Everyone around me found it funny." However, the amusement was short-lived as staff reportedly asked the riders to leave, citing the obvious health and safety concerns of having horses in a food establishment.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of the Porthcawl Elvis Festival, an annual event celebrating Elvis Presley impersonators. This festival typically draws thousands of visitors to the seaside town, known for its seven beaches and popularity as a holiday destination.
While horseback riding is a common activity in rural Wales, with Welsh ponies and cobs being native breeds, it's certainly not a typical sight in a chip shop. This juxtaposition of traditional equestrian culture with the modern fast-food setting created a memorable spectacle for onlookers.
The viral nature of the video demonstrates the power of platforms like TikTok, which boasts over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide. Such platforms can propel local incidents to global attention within hours, showcasing the interconnectedness of our digital age.
As the video continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder of the unexpected moments that can arise when different aspects of culture collide. Whether it's Elvis impersonators, traditional Welsh horsemanship, or the beloved British institution of fish and chips, this incident has certainly given viewers around the world a unique glimpse into the eclectic charm of Porthcawl.