UK amusement park set to close down after over 100 years

The end of an era

First welcoming visitors in 1918, Coney Beach is believed to have been built as a way of entertaining US soldiers returning from the First World War - stealing its name from New York's famous Coney Island.

Main attractions at the Porthcawl site include waterslides, dodgems, go karts, and a ghost train.

In a Facebook statement, the Evans family (who own the park) shared this week: "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.

"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."

This comes after the Welsh government purchased swathes of the seafront landscape for redevelopment, with the project expected to feature a brand-new residential estate, retail business facilities, a primary school, and various recreational and leisure opportunities.

It's been a year to forget so far for the Welsh amusement park scene following the closure of Oakwood Theme Park back in March, which had been running since the 1980s.

A spokesperson for Aspro Parks Group said at the time: "We are aware that Oakwood has been a much-loved destination for generations and a rite of passage for many young visitors. It is for this reason we feel such a sense of sadness.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedication and commitment of our team members past and present, suppliers and contractors who have loyally supported us and of course all those that have visited Oakwood Theme Park over the years. We are sincerely grateful."