Flambards theme park in Helston closes due to rising costs
Cornish Theme Park Shuts Down After 48 Years
Flambards debuted in 1976 under the name Cornwall Aero Park.
BBC News, South West
A theme park in Cornwall that has been in operation for 48 years is shutting down due to increasing expenses and a decline in the number of visitors.
Flambards theme park in Helston announced on Monday that it would be shutting down "right away."
In a post on social media, the park's management expressed their gratitude to both visitors and staff for their ongoing support. They stated, "Flambards has been a beloved place for many generations, and it is with great sadness that we say our goodbyes."
According to the announcement, Ferdi’s Funland, the indoor play center at the park, is set to reopen as an independent attraction later in November.
The Hornet Rollercoaster was a favorite attraction at Flambards.
The managers explained that they made the "challenging choice" after exploring all other alternatives and "completely acknowledged how this closure would affect the local community and the feelings of loss it might cause."
The statement indicated that difficulties in obtaining parts for older vehicles and the significant repairs required for its Victorian village played a role in making the decision.
The statement indicated that managers would explore ways to "protect and celebrate" its distinctive collection, which featured classic airplanes and a Victorian-era pharmacy that had been maintained as a time capsule for nearly 80 years.
The Most Depressing Day Of The Week
Local MP Andrew George described the "terrible" news as the "saddest day of the week," alluding to the theme park's tagline.
For nearly fifty years, Flambards has remained a staple in our community, serving as a hub for visitors, job opportunities, local events, and celebrations.
He mentioned that the owners had promised him that "job cuts will be minimized."
He mentioned that this reassurance would not ease the impact for those who are going to lose their jobs.
Mike Thomas, the Cornwall Councillor for Helston North, expressed his deep sadness over the closure.
"For Helston, it's a location steeped in nostalgia, with memories stretching back many years," he remarked.
"It’s a location rich with personal memories and connections."
"People will feel its absence; honestly, I can’t emphasize enough how much it will leave a void in the community."
He expressed his belief that the impact on tourism in the town would be substantial, but added that it was also a moment to pause and take pride in the events Helston has hosted for many years.
Thomas, who used to be a teacher, mentioned that a lot of his past students, along with his daughter, had jobs at the park, and his family had a season pass.
He emphasized the significance of protecting the "charming Victorian village," and suggested that if there was "no possibility of revival," the area could "open up opportunities" for future economic growth and job creation.
The Victorian village had been a key feature of Flambards for many years.
Miles Kenchington, the mayor of Helston, expressed that the closure marks a "tragic moment" for the community, adding that he feels deep sympathy for those who will lose their jobs just as the Christmas season approaches.
He mentioned that it was a "fairly concerning period" for the tourism industry.
"We're seeing a drop in the number of visitors lately, and this trend is likely to have a major effect on all of Cornwall."
Tourism plays a significant role in our county's revenue.
He mentioned that he used to go to the famous amusement park back in the 1970s when it was known as Cornwall Aero Park, and he also took his kids there in the 1990s and 2000s.
"My grandson visited over the weekend with his parents, and he experienced his first - and now final - log flume ride since he finally met the height requirement," he mentioned.
Managers aim to maintain a portion of the displays.
Flambards first opened its doors in 1976 as Cornwall Aircraft Park. It quickly evolved into the Aero Park and went on to grow throughout the 1970s and 1980s by introducing various attractions, including rides, an exhibition focused on Britain during the Blitz, and a Victorian village.
The park was later renamed Flambards, inspired by a well-known historical TV series, to better represent the expanded variety of attractions it now provides.
The park featured various outdoor attractions, but earlier this year, it was revealed that several rides would not be available for the season, such as the Thunderbolt, Sky Swinger, Sky Force, and the Hornet Rollercoaster.
The announcement comes shortly after the recent shutdown of Dairyland, another popular attraction in Cornwall, as well as the Dingles Vintage Fairground Museum, which closed its doors for the last time last week on the Devon and Cornwall border.
