Memories of century-old funfair as demolition begins

After more than 100 years of thrilling generations of holidaymakers, Coney Beach Amusement Park closed its gates for the final time in October, marking the end of an era.

Three months since it closed its doors for the final time, demolition on the site has begun.

The seaside funfair, which first opened in Porthcawl, Bridgend county, in 1918, welcomed visitors for more than a century with its mix of classic rides, arcades and seaside entertainment.

It is thought that the amusement park was built to entertain American troops returning from the First World War and named in homage to New York's pleasure park on Coney Island.

The last official day of operation was 4 October 2025, when the park's gates were padlocked after its final run.

A traditional fireworks display lit up the Porthcawl skies as visitors bid farewell to the rides and attractions that had become part of the town's cultural fabric.

For many, Coney Beach was more than a funfair - it was part of family tradition. Children who once clutched cotton candy on its dodgems and ghost train rides grew up to bring their own children and grandchildren to recreate those memories.

But the fair's final season was not without incident - in August, a cart on the Wacky Worm ride derailed, with 13 children and one adult receiving minor injuries.

The closure came as a major waterfront regeneration proposal was backed by Bridgend council and the Welsh government, which plans to transform the seafront site with up to 980 new homes, including a variety of shops, cafés and restaurants.

Council planners have said the redevelopment aims to secure the long-term economic sustainability of Porthcawl as a seaside resort, creating jobs and new attractions.

The announcement sparked a wave of emotion among local residents and business owners during the park's final operating season, with many describing the news as "gutting" and a symbol of changing times in coastal tourism.

Councillor Elen Jones has said that "people are grieving because it's the end of an era".

She said there have been concerns raised over the number of dwellings and parking but added these are statutory requirements for the local authority.

"Whatever the community demands, the commercial aspect will deliver," she said.

"The fair was only open maybe 100 days a year but the people of Porthcawl live here another 265 days," Jones added.

Despite the amusement park providing a sense of nostalgia for many, Jones said the community has "to trust and adapt".