**End of an Era: Porthcawl’s Coney Beach Amusement Park to Close After a Century**
A cherished chapter in Welsh coastal heritage is set to draw to a close, as the Evans family, custodians of Coney Beach Amusement Park, have announced that this season will be its last. The beloved seaside attraction, which first opened its gates more than a century ago, has become woven into the memories of countless families and holidaymakers. Its imminent closure in October 2025 has been met with widespread sadness, reflective of its deep-rooted place in the region’s cultural fabric.
Coney Beach, founded in 1918, has witnessed generations of visitors seek thrills on its rides and indulge in traditional seaside treats. For many in south Wales and beyond, the park is synonymous with childhood holidays and family outings, its name conjuring visions of laughter-filled days and the iconic sight of the fairground nestled beside the sand. News of the closure has struck a sentimental chord with locals and regular visitors alike.
In conversations across social media and local forums, residents of Porthcawl and returning visitors have described the closure as the ‘end of an era.’ One lifelong fan, Rebecca Timms, shared her own disappointment, highlighting her affection for the fair’s sugary doughnuts and expressing concerns about Porthcawl’s future as a tourist destination. She said, “I love the fair, most especially the donuts! It will be a sad day for Porthcawl when the fair closes. It’s been there my whole life.” Timms, like many others, fears that the absence of Coney Beach could dampen the town’s appeal to visitors.
Generational memories have resurfaced in light of the announcement. Jean Hanson reminisced about time spent at Coney Beach during childhood holidays with her grandmother in Newton, recalling the weekly anticipation of visiting the park. Similarly, Jane van Lunenburg reflected on her family’s trips by train from the Rhondda valley, speaking fondly of doughnuts served in greaseproof bags and the taste of traditional cockles. Her sentiment, “another one bites the dust,” echoed the broader feeling of regret at another historic feature of local life disappearing.
The official statement from the Evans family offered gratitude as they bid farewell to the community, remarking: “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.”
For some, the closure signifies more than just the loss of an amusement park; it is a symbol of broader changes taking place in the region. Observers have remarked on the transformation of Porthcawl’s seafront, questioning how the town’s identity may evolve in the absence of its historical attractions. There are concerns about the impact on local tourism, which has relied upon unique draws like Coney Beach to attract visitors.
Driving this change is a redevelopment project set in motion by the Welsh Government, which has acquired portions of the seafront for a new mixed-use development. Plans for the area include housing, retail spaces, a primary school, and new recreational areas. While this scheme aims to revitalise the town, some locals remain apprehensive, questioning whether the community’s character and longstanding traditions will be preserved amidst modernisation.
As the final season unfolds, many are expected to make a nostalgic pilgrimage to Coney Beach one last time, eager to recapture happy memories and bid goodbye to an institution that has defined Porthcawl for generations. The Evans family’s message of gratitude has resonated with visitors both young and old, further underlining the park’s broad intergenerational appeal.
The story of Coney Beach highlights the delicate balance between embracing change and honouring the past. For now, Porthcawl’s residents and regular visitors are left to reflect on the significance of this departure, with hopes that the legacy of the fair will not be forgotten as the town moves into a new era.