A much-loved British theme park that has entertained generations of families for more than a century will shut its doors for the final time this October, bringing an end to 107 years of seaside entertainment in the Welsh coastal town of Porthcawl.
The Evans family, who operate Coney Beach Pleasure Park, announced this week that the current season would be their last at the historic site, marking the end of an era for the beloved attraction that has been a fixture of Porthcawl’s Newton area since 1918.
In an emotional statement posted on social media, the family voiced their sadness at the looming closure, writing: “It is with heavy hearts we would like to share with you personally that this season at Coney Beach will be our last.”
Historic Attraction Faces Demolition
The announcement comes as the Welsh Government has acquired parcels of land for a major mixed-use development project in partnership with Bridgend Council, with plans to transform the waterfront area completely.
“We will be closing our gates for the final time this October. It’s the end of an era,” the Evans family continued in their statement.
“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.”
Welsh ministers confirmed they had secured ownership of sections of land within a 20-hectare site at the heart of the regeneration zone, including the amusement park site and adjoining land known locally as the “monster park”.
Massive Redevelopment Plans
The redevelopment plans for the area include up to 1,100 new homes, shops and restaurants, alongside extended boardwalks and green spaces, according to consultation documents released in February.
The revamp is expected to feature a new housing estate, retail business facilities and a new primary school, with Griffin Park set to double in size as part of the transformation.
Climate Change Minister Julie James said: “These are exciting plans for Porthcawl and I am delighted they are able to progress for the benefits of communities and future generations.
“Porthcawl offers a unique opportunity to deliver affordable homes in an attractive waterfront setting,” she added.
Century of Entertainment
Coney Beach has been a fixture of Porthcawl’s Newton area since 1918, when it was constructed to provide entertainment for American troops returning from the First World War.
The park took its name from the famous Coney Island pleasure park in New York, though the Welsh attraction was considerably smaller than its American namesake.
Constructed on the town’s old ballast tip, the park’s roots date back to April 1920, when a Figure Eight wooden roller coaster was relocated from West Glamorgan and initially operated from an old World War I aircraft hangar.
The attraction experienced its golden age in the 1950s, drawing large crowds with events such as boxing matches, firework displays, and aerial acrobat shows organised by the Royal Air Force.
Community Concerns
Local residents and politicians have expressed deep concern about the closure’s impact on Porthcawl’s identity and tourism industry.
Porthcawl Town Councillor Brian Jones said: “The fairground has been here since the 1920s and over the years it has had a massive impact on Porthcawl with secondary spending and also the enjoyment of visitors.
In my opinion now that the fairground is going Porthcawl will not become a premier resort as the council has said. I fear it could just become an urban town,” he warned.
Jeannie Monks, a Porthcawl resident, said: “The fairground has been the heart of Porthcawl for years and years, with thousands of visitors coming throughout the summers.”
“We don’t want a luxury resort, we want the town we’ve always had, and with the fairground gone we have to ask ourselves what is left for visitors?” she added.
Tourist Trade Fears
Local businesses fear the closure could devastate tourism in the area, with the amusement park serving as a major draw for visitors alongside the town’s beaches.
Taryn Priday, 20, who works in a seafront café, said: “In the summer it is really busy here in Porthcawl, and of course alongside the beaches the funfair is a big part of that draw, bringing a lot of people in.”
Two petitions launched to save the fairground argue that the eventual loss of the attraction will be a major blow to tourism in Porthcawl, with campaigners hoping outside investment could protect or improve the site.
The petitions, titled “Save Coney Beach” and “Save Porthcawl Fun Fair”, have garnered significant support from locals and visitors alike.
Partnership Approach
Councillor Neelo Farr, Bridgend Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “This move is a major sign of confidence in Porthcawl and represents a highly significant investment from Welsh Government which recognises the area’s importance and potential.”
“By unlocking and expediating the acquisition of this land, Welsh Government has effectively enabled the council to focus more of its resources upon maximising the benefits of regeneration,” he said.
A spokesperson for Bridgend Council said the plans draw on feedback from community consultation asking local people what facilities they want for Porthcawl.
“As part of the ambitious new plans for the area, Griffin Park will double in size. Access to the beach will be improved, and new retail, business and visitor facilities will be introduced along with a new primary school and around 900 much-needed new homes,” they said.
Final Farewell
Despite their sadness at leaving, the Evans family struck a gracious tone in their farewell message to the community.
“We are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to have been part of so many generations of families’ lives, young and old,” they said.
“Thank you for sharing our love of ‘all the fun of the fair’ and the legacy that Coney Beach leaves.”
Pat Evans, speaking after the land sale was announced in 2023, said: “Generations of our family have lived and worked alongside each other here at Coney Beach for over 100 years.”
We will be forever proud of our showman heritage and the memories that we have created for all our customers who have visited us and shared in our love of the ‘fun of the fair’ and the legacy that Coney Beach leaves,” she added.
The family had agreed to operate the park for a few more years after the land sale to give continuity for the town before redevelopment commences, making this October’s closure the final chapter in a story that began when the Great War ended.
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Image Credit:
Entrance to Coney Beach Pleasure Park, Porthcawl – Photo by Jaggery, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
