The attraction has been operating for more than 100 years but its owners have said this season will be their last
The announcement by the Evans family, owners of Coney Beach, that this season will be its last, has been met by an outpouring of sadness by hundreds who flocked to the seaside amusements over its 100 years of operation.
In what former visitors have described as “marking a true end of an era” the family have made the decision to close the iconic amusements for good.
They said they were “forever grateful” to have been part of the lives of generations of families both young and old, adding that the attraction would leave behind a legacy in the area. Stay informed on Bridgend news by signing up to our newsletter here
Coney Beach Amusement Park dates back to 1918, and hundreds of Welsh people will know it and have spent time there with their families and friends.
Since the announcement, many have said that the day it closes will be a sad day for the seaside town of Porthcawl, and reminisced that Coney Beach was part of their childhoods.
Rebecca Timms 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.
“Houses everywhere is not what I want, we have always been a tourist town and without the draw of the fair am sure we will lose out.
“I wish the Evans family well and thank them for all the years of fun.”
Jean Hanson said: “I can’t believe this, once a week treat to go to Coney Beach when holidaying with my Gran in Newton (actually a bungalow on the beach where she lived April to October every year) Porthcawl will never be the same again
Jane van Lunenburg added: “Oh that’s a pity, we spent childhood holidays there we’d board a train from the Rhondda valley and change at Cardiff General, loved the doughnuts they sold in little greaseproof bags and fresh cockles in vinegar and pepper, another one bites the dust.
Others said that the closure of Coney Beach marked the beginning of “very bad times,” and said that this news is a “tragedy”.
The family’s statement read: “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.
“We will miss it greatly and while we are sad to see our time here come to an end we are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to have been part of so many generations of families’ lives, young and old.
“Thank you for sharing our love of ‘all the fun of the fair’ and the legacy that Coney Beach leaves. The Evans family.”
The Welsh Government has purchased parcels of land in the seafront area for a mixed-use redevelopment that is expected to feature a new housing estate, retail business facilities, a new primary school, and a number of recreational and leisure opportunities.
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