PORTHCAWL: New seafront funfair announced as town prepares for life after Coney Beach

The new funfair, which will feature family rides, a big wheel and food stalls, will be set up in time for Easter and remain in place throughout the summer season, Bridgend County Borough Council have said.

The announcement comes after the town’s historic Coney Beach amusement park closed permanently on 4 October 2025 after 107 years of operation as part of a major seafront regeneration project.

The Welsh Government, which bought the amusement park site in 2023, is working with Bridgend Council on a major redevelopment of the area, which has proved controversial with some residents.

Hundreds of people signed petitions to save the funfair, and the council was forced to scale back its initial regeneration proposals after a public backlash.

The council has also had to warn the public about fake images of the regeneration plans being circulated online.

The new seasonal funfair at Salt Lake will be operated by Studt’s Events, a family-run business with a long history in the events industry.

It will briefly share the site with the NoFit State contemporary circus, which will be present between 11-19 April.

Councillor Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said the new funfair reinforced the council’s commitment to delivering high-quality attractions for the town.

“We want to provide family-friendly activities that add to what Porthcawl already offers while also supporting local businesses by bringing more people into the town and county borough,” she said.

“I am pleased that the funfair will be inclusive and accessible for all visitors, and it is great to see how our plans for Porthcawl are starting to come together as part of the wider regeneration programme.”

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said the waterfront regeneration represented an “exciting opportunity” for the area.

“Through our continued investment in regeneration across Wales, we want to help towns like Porthcawl build on their unique strengths, grow their local economies, deliver new homes, and provide high-quality leisure and cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike,” she said.

Henry Studt of Studt’s Events Ltd added: “We are genuinely delighted to be bringing a family funfair to Porthcawl and are looking forward to playing a positive part in the town’s seasonal offer for residents and visitors.”

More details about the seasonal funfair, including confirmed dates and opening times, will be announced closer to Easter 2026.

Big Wheel to roll up at Aberavon Seafront

Neath Port Talbot Council say they have come to an agreement with long established, local fairground company Studts Events Ltd to bring the Big Wheel to Aberavon Seafront.

Subject to planning permission, the ride, known as The Big Wheel at Aberavon Seafront, will operate in the summer months up to 2027. It will be accompanied by a series of fun fairs at the seafront run by the same company also in the summer months up to 2027.

Sean Smith, Operations Director at Studts Events, said: “As a local family company we are very grateful and excited for the opportunity to bring another amazing attraction to the Aberavon Seafront alongside our fun fairs.“

The grand opening of the big wheel will take place in the next few months. 

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing said: “This agreement, if approved by planning, will provide additional attractions at the Aberavon Seafront for local residents and visitors consistent with the ambitions set out in the council’s Aberavon Seafront Masterplan and the Destination Management Plan.”

Those taking a ride on the Big Wheel at Aberavon will enjoy spectacular views across the Bristol Channel and Swansea Bay. The big wheel and fun fairs will be based on a seafront site near the public toilets and opposite the Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre.

(Lead image: Pexels)

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