'Thanks for the memories' Sadness as Coney Beach prepares to close for good
Coney Beach Amusement Park in Porthcawl, South Wales, will close for good in October after more than 100 years of operation, with the Welsh Government set to redevelop the site
Coney Beach will close in October
(Image: John Myers )
The Evans family, owners of Coney Beach, have announced its final season, sparking a wave of nostalgia from generations of visitors who've enjoyed the Porthcawl fun park for more than a century. Described by past fair goers as "marking a true end of an era", the family has resolved to shut down the park.
The family said they were "forever grateful" to have played a role in the lives of visitors across generations, leaving a lasting legacy behind. Established in 1918, Coney Beach Amusement Park remains in the memories of countless individuals in Wales, having been a staple for family and friendly gatherings.
Since the announcement, messages have poured in, with many Wales Online readers saying the closure will leave a shadow over Porthcawl. For the local community, Coney Beach has long been a cherished part of their childhood memories.
Read more: There are so many memories, I can't believe it's going
The heartfelt missive from the family conveyed: "It is with heavy hearts we would like to share with you personally that this season at Coney Beach will be our last. We will be closing our gates for the final time this October.
"It's the end of an era. For over 100 years we and other showmen and their families have lived and worked in Porthcawl helping to make it a busy seaside destination bringing fun, laughter, and fond memories to so many."
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The Welsh Government has bought pieces of land along the seafront for a diverse redevelopment scheme set to include a new housing estate, retail business amenities, a fresh primary school, as well as various recreational and leisure facilities.
Commenter Annette Pask says: 'So many childhood memories of the Miners Fortnight. Dirty Duck where we walked to the fair. The Hi Tide stunning meals in those days. We took my daughter twice a year and we still love it. So very very sad.'
Girls on the helter-skelter ride at Coney Beach Amusement Park in August 1939
(Image: Getty Images )
Marvin E Wood agrees: 'I've regularly visited Coney Beach Porthcawl throughout my life and I'm in my 50s now but still visit often. I'll be doing so a few more times before it's closed. I think the town will regret it as there's very little else in Porthcawl for tourists or indeed locals.'
Mick Rees points out: 'Unfortunately memories in today's world have little relevance. If people don't visit and operating costs go up, with little if any profit to be made, places like Coney Beach will inevitably disappear. It reaches a point where no one will invest to spruce it up or modernise it. The writing was on the wall years ago. Sad, but it's the way of the world.'
Pauline Burch complains: 'They say they are closing it to make way for houses, shops and green spaces - that bit made me laugh. There used to be lots of green spaces around there before they ploughed it all up to build houses, flats and shops!'
Iwan Dowie thinks: 'As much as I'm sad to see the fair go, I haven't been there for 15 years and I live up the road. Porthcawl can't be what it was in the 60's and 70's. Why - because most people are going to Benidorm or Portugal/Turkey for their two week holidays. All seaside towns in the UK are in the same situation unless you are a quaint Cornish fishing village.'
Chris Davies agrees: 'Porthcawl will become a ghost town.'
William Grandon replies: 'When Aberavon beach fair shut and the toilets and shops were demolished, the beach was empty. It was full of people before that. Be warned, Bridgend council, Port Talbot council wrecked our beach and now we only have one toilet in a 3 mile stretch.'
Thelma Jackson remembers: 'We used to tow our caravan and stay in Porthcawl for two weeks, we absolutely loved it. The people there were always so friendly, so sad to read that it's closing.'
James Bladen says sadly: "There will be nowhere to go soon in Wales, first Oakwood closed, now Porthcawl and it will be Barry island next. All the youth clubs have gone too, there is literally nowhere for the teens to go and they wonder why they just hang around and cause a nuisance.'
Iris L Griffiths adds: 'Thanks for all the memories.'
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Are you sad to see the fair go in Porthcawl? Tell us about your memories in our comments section.
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