It will be a “final farewell” from the people at Coney Beach, Porthcawl

Earlier this year it was announced that the century old seaside amusement park, Coney Beach, will be closing its gates for the final time this summer. Many people have shared their sadness and opposition against the new development that will replace the attraction with hundreds of people attending a protest.

To celebrate the 100 years plus of Coney Beach bringing happy memories to the local people and visitors, a firework display will mark the “end of an era” as it closes for good this October. The display will take place on Saturday, October 4 and hosted by the Hi-Tide which sits at the entrance to Coney Beach and hosts firework displays through the summer.

It was announced in January 2025 that the Welsh Government have plans to use the area that the popular amusement park and promenade for a ew development.

They plan to build 1,100 new homes as well as shops, cafes, restaurants, and leisure attractions. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here

A date has yet to be announced for when these plans will come to fruition in Porthcawl.

The owners of the Coney Beach Amusement Park, the Evans family, announced in July that this summer will be the park’s last and it will close in October.

In a statement they said: “It is with heavy hearts we would like to share with you personally that this season at Coney Beach will be our last.”

We visited Coney Beach recently and spoke to some of the familar faces who have served the generations including doughnut-maker, Steve and seafood stall owner, Dave Jones. Steve, who runs American Donuts inside the amusement park has worked at the stand since 1967 straight after he left school.

Now a sprightly 75-year-old, he chose not to retire as he says his customer “wouldn’t let” him as the park would not be the same without him there. Customers have been begging Steve to continue, constantly asking where he will be going next. Now that the park is closing, Steve says he is “gutted” about his “forced retirement” as he had no plans to stop anytime soon..

And with his seafood stall having to close this October, Dave Jones isn’t sure of his plans for the future but is thinking about downgrading to a cockle bike where he can sell his stock along the beach.

Dave said: “It’s sad. Where are all the people going to go, there isn’t another place like this anywhere close. Read more ablout our visit to Coney Beach, here.

Whilst many people expressed their sorrow, some commented about their concern following the discovery of a deceased body inside a burnt vehicle near the beachfront on Thursday, August 28.

One regular wrote: “This makes me so sad. Years of memories.. Porthcawl will never be the same after this night.” Another mused: “I had a nostalgic trip there on Monday……sad to think it won’t be there next time I come home.”