**End of an Era: Coney Beach Amusement Park in Porthcawl Set to Close After a Century**
The iconic Coney Beach Amusement Park in Porthcawl, South Wales, will lower its shutters for the final time in October, drawing the curtain on more than a century of entertainment and cherished seaside tradition. The closure comes as the Welsh Government unveils ambitious redevelopment plans for the area, signalling the next chapter for this stretch of the Welsh coast.
For over 100 years, Coney Beach has been an integral fixture in the lives of local residents and visitors, welcoming generations through its gates with the promise of fun, laughter and unforgettable moments. Established in 1918, the park’s carousel, candyfloss stalls and rollercoasters captured the imaginations of families, couples and friends from across the country, each leaving with cherished memories and stories to tell.
The Evans family, longstanding owners and operators of Coney Beach, announced the decision in an emotional message. “It is with heavy hearts we 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,” read the statement. Gratitude poured forth as they thanked the community and generations who had supported the park: “We are forever grateful to have played a small part in your family, cherished childhood and friendship memories.”
The news has sparked a wave of nostalgia and regret amongst the people of Porthcawl and fans of the park across Wales. Many have taken to social media and local news outlets to express their sadness. Annette Pask fondly recalled “childhood memories of the Miners Fortnight” and regular family visits, while Marvin E Wood, a lifelong visitor now in his fifties, shared his intention to visit several more times before the gates close for good. There is a shared sense of loss, with many residents feeling the town will struggle to fill the void.
Coney Beach’s closure signals a broader transformation for the Porthcawl seafront. The Welsh Government has acquired large portions of the site with plans for a sweeping redevelopment that includes a new residential community, retail spaces, a modern primary school and enhanced leisure facilities. Officials hope these changes will rejuvenate the town and attract future generations, but many locals are sceptical about whether new developments can replace the unique atmosphere of the amusement park.
Responding to the evolving landscape, some residents expressed concerns about the changing character of Porthcawl. Mick Rees commented, “Unfortunately, memories in today’s world have little relevance. If people don’t visit and costs go up, places like Coney Beach inevitably disappear. The writing was on the wall years ago.” Others, like Pauline Burch, voiced frustration over the proposed inclusion of green spaces, recalling a time when such spaces were abundant before development began reshaping the town.
The disappearance of Coney Beach mirrors wider challenges faced by traditional British seaside resorts. Like many similar destinations, Porthcawl struggles to compete with the allure of overseas holidays, as families opt for sunshine breaks in destinations such as Benidorm or Portugal. This shift has placed considerable strain on the viability of long-standing attractions like Coney Beach, prompting reflection on the future of homegrown tourism.
Older locals, including Thelma Jackson, reminisced fondly about two-week caravan holidays and the welcoming community spirit experienced during stays in Porthcawl, underlining how the amusement park was integral to their summer rituals. Others, like James Bladen, lamented the broader trend of disappearing youth landmarks, questioning where young people will now congregate or find diversion.
As Coney Beach nears its final season, the air is tinged with both sadness and gratitude. Tributes continue to pour in—“Thanks for all the memories,” wrote Iris L Griffiths, encapsulating a sentiment felt widely across Wales. While the future beckons with new developments and possibilities, the closing of Coney Beach marks the end of an era, cementing its status as a beloved symbol of Welsh seaside heritage.